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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-05-05 Annual Town Meeting Minutes97 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING May 5, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. P. Reidar Lindland of the First Baptist Church. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, when on motion of Robert S. Cummings, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant, except the Constable's Return, which was then read by the Town Clerk. The newly elected Town Meeting Members were sworn in by the Moderator. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Robert S. Cummings for the Board of Selectmen: INFORMATION OF THE STATE OF THE TOWN It has been suggested that the by-law change made last fall is intended to require the selectmen to hand to each town meeting member a copy of the town report. While we commend the reading of that report to you, we assume that something more is wished of us and, in fact, what is expected is more than a summary of the annual report. Accordingly, what we propose to present is as brief a statement as possible of the present strengths of our community and its major problems as viewed from the office of selectman. Since this is the first occasion upon which the selectmen have been required to convey this information, it might be useful to comment on what we perceive to be the personality of the patient prior to our diagnosis as to the state of his health. Reading is relatively small in land mass consisting of only ten square miles. Our population stands at about 23,500 and we are placed sixtieth in size among the 351 municipalities of the commonwealth. The town is not increasing in population as rapidly as had been predicted. Ten years ago forecasts were being made of an increase to 30,000 which would have been an increase of over 50%. In fact, growth from the 1960's has been only about 17%. A perhaps more significant figure, since it relates more closely to adult population, is that our registered voters have increased only 6% in the past ten years, even including additional voters registered with the lowering of the voting age. With the drop in the birth rate, the state of our national economy and the limited land available, we are justified in assuming that our population will remain relatively static in at least the immediate future. Reading is a commuter or bedroom town with the bulk of its working population employed either in Boston or in the Route 128 area. Better than 90% of our residential property is comprised of single family homes. With the limitation of available space, there is little likelihood of substantial commercial development so that we undoubtedly will remain as a residential community. Surveys indicate that our average family income is slightly above a middle income level. Since Reading is a small residential community of predominantly middle income citizens with a relatively static population, it is not surprising that the town tends to be conservative. This conservatism is not necessarily political in nature, but is more reflected in the way town affairs are managed. Typically, we carefully consider any new programs before they are adopted and deliberately weigh any additional costs of government before they are incurred. Town meeting serves in part as a forum for criticism. Our annual report allows us to look briefly at ourselves from a positive aspect and as such isa/good idea in that it allows us to commence our annual meeting with some sense of perspective. There are a large number of attributes which we possess as a community, and it is difficult to single out but a few. We feel, however, that there are three principle assets of Reading which are most appropriate to note. Possibly the greatest asset we have is the traditional high quality of those persons who serve the town. As selectmen we come in contact with most of those engaged in the business of town government and with many of the town employees. We also have the opporutnity to observe those in similar capacities in other municipalities so that we do have a standard of camparison. There are several categories of persons serving the town: Paid employees; career department heads; compensated elective officials and elected and appointed volunteers. We believe that no other community is better served than is ours and that Reading has been unusually fortunate in its ability to attract talented and dedicated people to serve in each of these categories. We are pleased to report that newer people who are assuming positions in government and as town employees have abilities and a sense of dedication equal to their predecessors. In order to be able to continue to function as a government and to continue to return full value to the Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 citizen for his tax dollar we must continue to attract capable people to government. A second asset of the town is its willingness to accept change and constantly challenge existing institutions. The essential conservatism of the town is reflected in the extended time frame within which many changes take place. Historically, however, our government structure has been dynamic and has under- gone constant change in response to the pressures of the community. In recent years, there has hardly been a period when a committee or consultant has not been reviewing some facet of town government. The most recent is the Government Study Committee, appointed by this body, which saw its recommendation of the creation of a charter study commission accepted by the voters last month. Regardless of the outcome of the charter study, the attention which will be focused on government is healthy and can only result in benefitting us all. A third asset is created by the interaction of governmental and non- governmental orgainzations to make available to our citizens a myriad of recrea- tional and cultural activities. As is the success of government dependant upon those individuals engaged in governing, so are these programs dependant upon the efforts of the dedicated citizens who organize and run them. Orgainzed athletic programs and facilities are available to youth and to adult, active organizations provide us with theatrical and musical programs, a symphony orchestra and an art association. Other associations, orgainzations and groups provide a wide variety of community activities to be enjoyed by all from the very young to the elderly. Many of these programs are carried on with the cooperation of town government particularly with respect to the use of town property but with no direct financial assistance from government. It is most gratifying to find programs offering such value to such a large segment of the town by organizations which do not look to the tax levy for support. Turning to the liability side of the balance sheet, there are, of course, a number of problems which we face in 1975. The greatest is undoubtedly that brought about by the state of our national economy. Inflation has driven the cost of government up as it has eroded the taxpayer's ability to sustain the burden of government. At the same time many of our citizens have suffered from a loss of employment or a drop in income. Unemployment figures for Reading have run about two percent lower than those of the Greater Boston area so that we are more fortunate than many of our neighbors, but our unemployment probably exceeds 8%, a serious level. We have reacted to the unemployment problem by actively participating in federally funded programs to provide employment for our -of -work citizens of the town. Beyond this there is little town government can do to lighten the burden of unemployment. Consistent with our duties as town representatives, committed to maintain standards of public education, health, welfare and safety, we must continue to make every effort to keep our tax rate at the lowest possible level. Fortunately, Reading has a good record in this area. In the past, real estate taxes which did not exceed three percent of the fair market value of property were thought by real estate experts to be reasonable and a sign of fiscal health in a community. Today, this figure would be undoubtedly higher. Estimates are that on an equalized basis the present tax rate in Reading would result in annual taxes of about three and one half percent of fair market value on real estate within the Town. This is lower than most of the surrounding communities. For instance, Wakefield is estimated to be taxed at a rate of about 4.0% of fair value, Winchester at 4.3%, and Stoneham at 3.9%. North Reading is only one-tenth of one percent higher than Reading while Lynnfield is about 2/10ths of a percent lower. Our record is one of careful financial management in the past and we must continue it into the future. A second area of coneern and one common throughout our nation is that created by a growing lack of civic responsibility. THs lack of consideration ■ for our neighbors manifests itself by vandalism, often committed by young people J whose parents are unwilling or unable to attempt to supervise them, by persons who ignore our traffic regulations, by those who are oblivious to the need for animal control and by those whose conduct is otherwise offensive to the community. Such conduct has forced us to enact additional by-laws and to spend considerable amounts in law enforcement and in property protection and repair. Yet the passage of laws is not the solution. We can only hope that the pressures from within the community will be felt and responded to by the relatively few citizens whose lack of concern results in so many annoying problems. A third area is that concerning municipal planning. As a town we have an outstanding record in many areas of planning. The creation of our Birch Meadow complex and the establishment of a town forest and other conservation areas before 99 Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 environmental concerns became popular are tributes to the foresight of past planners. There is the danger, however, that economic pressures may result in a neglect of necessary planning for the future. As our available land diminishes more pressures will be placed upon us concerning land use. The interests of the town will be better served by careful planning than by reaction on an ad hoc basis to each problem as it is presented. We must continue to plan for traffic control, limited commercial development, public transportation, housing and municipal buildings, all areas where some efforts are presently taking place. The severe economic problems of the present may force the postponement of the implementation of some of our future plans but should not delay the planning itself. Lastly, a growing problem is that of apathy towards government. The low voter turnout for local elections is not unusual and historically has come to be expected. It may seem surprising that presidential elections have in the past attracted a better than 90% vote while local elections seldom have drawn more than a third of the registered voters to the polls, but this has almost always been true in Reading. What is alarming is the lack of competition for town office. In some precincts there have been barely enough candidates to fill available town meeting seats and we have recently seen town offices almost left vacant for lack of a candidate. Most recently a growing number of candidates have run unopposed for major town office even including non -incumbent candidates for the office of selectman. One may speculate endlessly on the reasons for this growing lack of concern for the governing of the town. There are no readily identifiable reasons nor simple solutions to this problem and those of us in government must continually strive to encourage participation by our citizens in the work of the town. Hopefully the redistricting of the town, presently pending before the state legislature will create renewed interest in town meeting membership and the attention focused on the organization of government by the charter study committee will create a renewed interest in local politics. Although the quality of those in government has not dropped it must inevitably do so if our citizens remain apathetic. Without a continuing commitment to the work of the town by interested and informed citizens town government as we now know it cannot survive. Commenting on the bicentennial year, Mr. Cummings read the following pledges which were read at the Ceremonial Town Meeting in Lexington, Massachusetts, on April 20, 1975, as part of the rededication of the Lexington Common: The 1773 Pledee We trust in God, that should the state of our affairs require it, we shall be ready to sacrefice our estates and every thing dear in life, yea, and life itself, in support of the common cause. The 1975 Pledge We are deeply appreciative of the sacrefices our forefathers made, on April 19, 1775, when by their actions they dedicated this Common as the Birthplace of American Liberty. As an expression of that appreciation, we, the citizens of Lexington, in 1975, rededicate our Common, and ourselves, to the Common Cause of American Liberty. We pledge ourselves to respect the rights of others, so that we may enjoy individual freedom; We pledge ourselves to participate as informed citizens, so that we may preserve truly democratic government; We pledge ourselves to recognize both the sovereignty and the world- wide inter -dependence of all nations, so that our nation may continue to be free and independent and progress toward a united world. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. Moved by Malcolm S. White, Jr. that Town Meeting be postponed until union wage negotiations are completed and final figures are available. This motion did not carry. Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche for the Planning Board: At the March 1974 Reading Town Meeting, funding was appropriated to engage a planning consultant to study and prepare a report to the Town on the impact of possible future MBTA development and dump -site reuse options. This money was to be expended under the direction of the Planning Board. Consequently, on August 5, 1974, the consulting firm of Sasaki Associates of Watertown, Mass. was selected from a field of three (3) firms interviewed by the Planning Board to perform the study. On August 19, 1974 the META requested that the Reading Board of Selectmen appoint a Town Working Committee to work with the MBTA on transit expansion to Reading. The Selectmen in tern appointed the Planning Board as the official representative of the Town. The Planning Board subsequently requested a member from the Board of Public Works, Conservation Commission, League of Women Voters and the Reading Residents Council on Transportation to serve on the Town Working Committee with the Planning Board. The Town Working Committee's task is to provide the Town and the MBTA with recommendations as to the mode of transit service and terminal location which would best serve this community. At this time the MBTA's own studies are incomplete and not all of the information necessary to make a detailed response is available. We believe, however, that there is sufficient information to make preliminary recommendations. These recommendations are based on the inventory and analysis of available data, interviews with Town officials, technical work sessions with the META, extensive contact with interested citizens and community groups and, of course, incorporates the work of Sasaki Associates. The following recommendations may be revised as additional data becomes available. 1. Terminus Location The Working Committee recommends that the Orange Line Extension terminate at Route 128 on the Reading - Wakefield line with appropriate feeder service for the Town residents. We have concluded that the adverse impacts of either a Reading Center of I-93 terminus location far outweigh the positive aspects associated with transit service through the Town. The I-93 Lowell Street terminus alternative is considered to be undesirable because of its potential negative impact upon the Revay Brook and One Hundred Acre Meadow well fields, which serve as the Town's water supply. The Reading Center terminus option would substantially increase traffic congestion, safety hazards and parking problems. It is important to note, however, that the Working Committee unanimously supports the concept of grade separation at all crossing in the event the MBTA elects to extend the Orange Line beyond Route 128. 2. Mode Selection It is the opinion of the Working Committee that if the Route 128 site is chosen as the Orange Line terminus, the mode selection is only of general interest to the Town. In the event the META selects the I-93 site as the terminus the Working Committee concluded that a fully grade separated system is mandatory. 3. Town Traffic Study The Working Committee recommends that after the selection of the Orange Line terminus, the Town consider a traffic flow and parking study to deal with the current and anticipated traffic problems. 4. Joint Development Opportunities The Working Committee recommends that the Planning Board explore the availability of funds from the MBTA for joint -development of areas surrounding the Orange Line terminus. (See MBTA Corridor Evaluation, Sasaki Associates, Inc. attached) This report was accepted as a report of progress. _ �.VG61 ..1 NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE: -POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON WATER SUPPLY -POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS AT CROSSINGS -POTENTIAL ADVERSE AESTHETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE CORRIDOR -POTENTIAL HIGHER COSTS TO THE TOWN FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE UTILITY SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE POSSIBLE PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PATHWAY TO TOWN FOREST �— ADAPTIVE INTERIM RE -USE OF RIGHT -OF -WAV FOR OPEN SPACE IF ABANDONED CONSERVATION LAND — AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY READING CENTER DEPOT NOT RECOMMEDED e FOR TERMINAL LOCATION BECAUSE: -POTENTIAL INCREASE IN LEVEL OF LOCAL TRAFFIC CONGESTION -SAFETY HAZARDS AND TRAFFIC OELAYS AT GRADE CROSSINGS -PARKING REOUIREMENTS BEYOND THE SCALE AND CAPACITY OF READING CENTER -ENGINEERING COMPLEXITY AND HIGHER COSTS FOR FUTURE UTR.ITY MAINTENANCE AND UTILITY IMPRWEMENTS JOINT DEVELOPEMENT OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE PRESENT USES, DEVELOPEMENT INTENSITY, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER. / DUMP SITE JOINT DEVELOPEMENT/PLANNING OPPORTUNITY WITH MBTA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROPOSED 128 TRANSIT TERMINAL. L Q ACCESS FROM 128 LINK FROM 128 TERMINAL ONLY TO READING CENTER VIA FEEDER BUS °� OR OVERHEAD CATENARY AT 20 MINUTEINTERVALS MBTA ORANGE LINE PROPOSED RT.128 RAPID TRANSIT TERMINAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAM STUDIES READING, MASSACHUSETTS MBTA CORRIDOR EVALUATION SASAKI ASSOCIATES, INC. RECOMMENDATIONS Table 4-1 Town Government Time Table February 15 Third Monday in March Last Monday in March Budgets in to Fin. Com. Warrant articles in to Selectmen Annual reports of Boards, Committees and Officers in to Selectmen We have restricted the membership of the two new committees to Town Meet members since they are legislative oversight committees in the truest sense. do, however, recommend that the Finance Committee be permitted to have member outside of Town Meeting, providing that a majority are Town Meeting members, order to open all possibilities for the best talent available. The appointme procedure for the Finance Committee is also somewhat different than for the o two committees to minimize political "horsetrading". Actually, this procedur is quite similar to what we have today, with the three Warrant Committee memb taking the place of the Selectmen. 11 14 days preceeding first Monday Notice of precinct meetings in May The Moderator's role in influencing the flow of information to the membe is enhanced by his being the chairman of the Warrant Committee. We are recom 14 days preceeding first Monday Notice of Annual Town Meeting mending that he be elected by the Town Meeting membership rather than by the in May electorate. This is common practice in many open Town Meeting and in other legislative bodies. We feel it should also be our practice, since the Town 21 days preceeding first Monday Town elections Meeting members are best able to judge the performance of the Moderator. We in May feel that fears of political favoritism by the Moderator are groundless since they have little precedent in open Town Meetings and since partisan political 7 days before first Monday in May Town Clerk mails Recommendations from alignments in Town Meeting are expressly forbidden by the General Laws. advisory coms. Separation of powers is important when formalizing the government as we Last Monday in April Complete printing of Town Report are proposing. We are thus recommending that there by no ex -officio members of Town Meeting. Provisions are specifically made so that the body cannot 1 to 7 days before first Monday Precinct Meetings prevent a Town board or official from introducing or debating the main motion in May under one of its articles in the Warrant, First Monday in May Annual Town Meeting The other reforms relating to the conduct and scheduling of Town Meeting are discussed in Section 5.2 of this report. June 1 Terms of appointments expire except for Fin. Com. Two separate steps are recommended to make the election procedure result June 1 to 10 Boards and Coms except Fin Com elect Officers in greater visibility and accountability on the part of public officials. These include doubling the number of precincts to reduce the number of Town July 1 Fin Com terms expire Meeting members representing each precinct (see Section 4.5), and making some of the presently elected boards and officials appointive to reduce the lengtt July 1 to 10 Fin Com elects officers of the ballot. All of these eliminated ballot positions have a poor record c well contested elections, except for the Board of Public Works. (This board Fourth Monday in September Subsequent Warrant articles in to Selectmen will be non -elective for reasons given in Section 3.2) 14 days preceeding second Monday Notice of Subsequent Town Meeting We have previously discussed why we feel that unless an election is well, in November contested it can result in poor government. There is further evidence that these posts would be best removed from the ballot. For instance, there is nc First Monday in November Town Clerk mails Recommendations from advisory known case in which an appointed treasurer has been found guilty of malfeasat coms, in office. According to public records the same cannot be said about electec treasurers. Also, it is interesting to note that all of Reading's present Second Monday in November Subsequent Town Meeting assessors were originally appointed by the Selectmen to fill unexpired terms. We do not feel that this reduction in the length of the ballot restricts For Special Town Meetings and Precinct Meetings controls over the government by the electorate. In fact, as we have stated, we feel such reduction more clearly draws the lines of accountability. For At least 7 days before Town Meeting Notice mailed by Town Clerk instance, who is responsible for recent sewer malfunctions? Is it the Board of Health or the Board of Public Works acting in its own right or that of the At least 4 days before Town Meeting Recommendations by advisory coms. mailed Board of Survey? Under the proposed system there is no question -- it is the by Town Clerk Board of Selectmen through their appointees. Blame cannot be shrugged off of credit claimed by a multitude of incumbent candidates to the frustration of At least 7 days before precinct Notice mailed by Town Clerk the voters. meeting -19- -20- e are sensitive to the possible abuses of the appointive power. We are aking two steps so that a broad spectrum of the community will be repre- in the appointed posts and that "cronyism" will be discouraged. These which will be further described in Section 3.2 are increasing the number -ctmen from three to five and institutionalizing the appointment procedure. 'ne major move to increase citizens' accessibility to the machinery of Town nent is the centralization of operational authority in the hands of the dministrator. The alienation that citizens feel when their problems can - quickly and efficiently met is a direct cause of apathy. It is not the Df government personnel that this happens, but the fault of the fragmented of our operational structure, as will be more fully pointed in Section ae feel that this reorganization at the operational level will result in r citizen satisfaction. If this is not the case, citizens will have ble to them a clear action at the Polls. proved Policy Development and Planning e recommend that the Selectmen be responsible for the development of for Reading. This function should be performed by a body that is sible for the overall welfare of the Community and is subject to the 1 of the citizens. The ultimate responsibility cannot effectively be with other executive bodies although other boards and committees can ould assist and advise in the development process. Specifically, the nen should be responsible to the community for all Government policy -rations not prohibited by statute. These prohibitions relate to the Department and Housing Authority. The Municipal Light Board, because multi -town nature should also be excluded from the Selectmen's concern gh a more thorough study might alter this recommendation. 'ae Selectmen should be explicitly assigned the responsibility for calling -r the other independent Boards in town for purposes of coordinating pal policy. They of course, will not establish educational or public y policy. We believe however, that the Selectmen should be an increas- important factor in the policy development of these operations by virtue it role as the elected community leaders. They will, in addition, play a-ry role in assuring that conflicting policies are resolved, or that lved problems or inconsistencies are brought to the attention of Town t is important that policy development be separated from Town operations. lectmen should be responsible for the appointment of the major operational ors but should not engage in operational activities. Operations and ional decisions should be the responsibility and concern of full time ael who are hired for their particular functional skills. The Selectmen's y and principle concern should be community leadership and policy develop - here is one important exception to the recommended appointment process. brary Trustees should participate in the selection of the head librarian ould also represent the community in the development of Library policy. Keeption is recommended because of the importance of keeping the Library sive to the needs of the citizens and to separate it from the political 7. The Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Municipal Light Board and Housing Authority should meet from time to time to discuss matters of mutual interest. 4.2 Treatment of Apath Contained within the reforms and recommendations listed in Section 4.1 are features which we feel will alleviate the problems of apathy pointed out in Section 3.1. Specifically we propose provisions to strengthen Town Meeting as a legislative body, increase the visibility and accountability of Town officials, and improve citizen accessibility to the operating agencies of the government. A dual philosophical approach is involved here, in which we are attempting to reduce apathy by stimulating interest in government, and at the same time we are proposing to introduce a more formal structure so that the government will be leso susceptible to the effects of apathy. In considering the possible means of improving the government -community relationship, we are choosing, not to reduce the participation level, but rather to alter the method by which the participation occurs. In the light of recent movements to do away with Town Meeting, it appears that there is a concensus that the social and economic risks inherent in our loosely -woven structure may be too great to be left in a situation that is so sensitive to citizen apathy. Therefore, although our recommendations are made with an eye to reducing apathy, we feel that we must provide a system that will function efficiently in spite of it and still provide opportunity for citizen involve- ment. A careful perusal of the proposed reforms will indicate that the number of opportunities for citizen involvement, both in policy formulation and in watchdog activities, has not been reduced. Rather, the efficacy of these official positions should be increased. The first nineteen reforms listed in Section 4.1 deal directly with our goal of strengthening the Town Meeting as a legislative body. This is to be accomplished by encouraging Town Meeting members to seek information prior to taking action on the Warrant through a formal internal structure of oversight committees. Dissemination of this information will be done at the precinct meetings and through a written report on the Warrant. Members will be en- couraged to attend precinct meetings since they will be simultaneously exercising a political act by electing members to the oversight committees. The Warrant Committee will have official access to all of the information and recommendations generated by the oversight committees. It will act as a coordinator for the dissemination of the information and recommendations it receives. The Finance, Planning and Development and By -Laws Committees make up these oversight, or legislative advisory, committees. In addition, information can be received from individual members, experts, consultants or ad hoc committees established by the Town Meeting or appointed by the Moderator. The Finance Committee will operate much as it does today, with less emphasis on matters other than financial. It will also be the Capital Budget Plan Committee. The Plan- ning and Development Committee will consider all matters pertaining to planning, zoning, land subdivision, street acceptances or other land usage included within the articles of a Warrant. The By -Law Committee will consider all changes to the By -Laws included in the articles of a Warrant. The latter two committees will conduct investigations and make recommendations in a manner similar to that of the Finance Committee. -21- -18- 23. Members of the Board of Assessors, Planning Board and Library Trustees The current town government structure includes a wide range of elected will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen as well as the Town Clerk, officials responsible for a variety of functions. It is recommended that most Constables, Treasurer and Tax Collector. of these jobs became appointed positions. Reducing the number of elected positions will, while shortening the ballot and making it a more meaningful 24. The Planning Board will have the powers and duties essentially provided instrument, limit the special interest powers of boards and committees and for in Chapter 41, Section 81 A -J of the General Laws. focus authority, responsibility and, more importantly, accountability. 25. Appointments to Statutory Boards will be made for staggered three-year terms. The Selectmen should continue to use the boards and committees for advice and assistance in policy formulation and to relieve them of certain otherwise 26. Terms of appointments to the non -statutory ad hoc and advisory committees 1 inescapable day to day administrative burdens. These Boards and Committees (see Figure 4-1) will be up to the discretion of the Selectmen. — will perform a very important function since they will bring a special capa- bility to bear on community problems and projects. 27. Anyone desiring appointment to public office may submit his or her name to the Town Clerk, who then must submit that name to the cognizant appointing It is recommended that the number of Selectmen be increased from three tc authority within five days and maintain a public record of such names for five. This increase will tend to give wider representation of the Community one year. on this Board. The increase in size will also increase and broaden the debate of issues by the Selectmen and help assure an open process in the appointment 28. The Board of Selectmen will appoint a Town Administrator who will have over- of boards and committees. all authority over Town operations. Specifically it is recommended that the statutory duties of the Board 29. The Town Administrator will have reporting to him administratively the Town of Public Works, Board of Health and Cemetery Trustees be assumed by the Clerk, a Public Lands and Works Division, a Financial Services Division, a Selectmen. It is further recommended however, that these boards continue to Human Services Division, a Library Division, a Police Division, a Fire be appointed and used by the Selectmen and the town for advice and assistance Division and an Inspection and Measurements Division, in their specialized areas. In addition, the Selectmen may very well delegate the responsibility for holding hearings to these boards to bring an approprial 30. Terms of all appointments within the operations arm of the government will level of expertise to the solution of problems. This delegation will tend to be one year, release the Selectmen for attending to their major responsibility of policy development and policy control. 31. The division heads and selected department heads as provided by state statute will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen only upon recommendation of the All Statutory Boards will continue to serve their legislatively defined Town Administrator. functions. It is recommended that membership on all of these Boards and Committees (depicted in Figure 4-1) be appointed by the Selectmen. For 32. The Library Trustees must approve the appointment of the head librarian. purposes of continuity, appointment should be for staggered three year terms Terms of appointments to other boards and committees should be at the discre- 33. The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Municipal Light tion of the Selectmen. Persons wishing to serve on any board or committee she Board, Library Trustees, Planning Board and Board of Assessors will con- submit their names to the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will be required to infi stitute the Law Committee. the cognizant appointing authority within five days and maintain a public rec( of the names for at least a year. The appointing authority (Warrant Committe( 34. The Town government time table will be as shown in Table 4-1. Selectmen, School Committee, etc.) would not be obligated to make the appoints from this list. This procedure would broaden the resources of the appointing authorities and deter capricious exclusion of qualified interested persons. Additional Recommendations The Committee feels that more talent will be available for these posts ui 1. The Planning Board should study means of amending the sign BrLaws to an appointive system since accepting or volunteering for an appointment is nol permit controlled use of political signs, as demanding of political expertise as a Town -wide campaign might be. 2. The School Committee should develop and enforce a policy of providing Reading does not have an approved community development plan. Citizen a minimum number of hours of education in Reading Government and history, participation and a professional planning process must precede any meaningful policy development, The Selectmen should have a planning capacity, through t1 3. The Selectmen should increase the number of precincts from four to eight. Town Administrator, which is based in Reading and knowledgeable of the Town ai its philosophy. Without this capability the Town will be forced to rely on 4. The Selectmen should establish at least those non -statutory committees outside consultants and be unable to meet the continuing development needs of listed in the Reference Detailed Government Organization chart. the community. 5. A School Committee member should be on the Recreation Committee. 6. The School Committee should divest itself as much as possible of non- academic functions. -17- -22- n important means of ordering priorities is through the capital budget We propose that the three major executive bodies establish their own ear plans and update them annually. The Finance Committee would then he plans without reordering any of the priorities in any one of them esent the plans to Town Meeting for action. This is a departure from inciple of separation of the executive and legislative branches, since e a legislative committee performing an executive function. We justify n two grounds. One is that there is no executive agency unbiased to- ne of the major executive branches. The other is that the Finance tee is a competent body well exposed to all aspects of Reading's mental life. rengthened Management Structure s described in Section 4.3 above, the committee proposed to concentrate -making functions previously spread over several different boards under and of Selectmen. This concentration permits and demands a similar con - tion of administration. It is impossible for an administrator to survive, ess to operate effectively, if he must take day-to-day administrative ctions from a supervisor who reports to one policy-making board while he s to another. ur proposed structure combines and consolidates all administrative ons except those of the School and Light Departments. The School De- nt has been left independent because of the state laws and regulations control its operations. The Light Department has been left independent e it has operations and property in other towns; formal consolidation he central administration would result in complex accounting procedures. 1 of our recommendations, however, encourage and promote cooperative s between the School and/or Light Departments and the rest of the Town stration in such areas as building maintenance, purchasing, etc. e are proposing a Town Administrator form of government. This is a step our present Executive Secretary but falls short of establishing a complete strative authority such as a Town Manager. The Town Administrator will be ted by the Selectmen. The Selectmen will also appoint the Division Heads 11 report to the Town Administrator. We propose that the Selectmen make on Head appointments only upon the recommendation of the Town Administrator. oes not mean that the Selectmen must appoint anyone nominated by the strator, but it does mean that the Selectmen cannot appoint someone unknown unwanted by the Town Administrator. he Town Administrator will appoint a staff to assist him with planning, net, purchasing, communications, and civil defense. The structure of taff and the number of people comprising it will be determined by the dministrator, subject to funding by the Town Meeting. This staff is a pect of the administrative reform plan. It is in this staff where those nating functions lacking today in Reading's administration will take place ry important communications function of the administrative staff will be ure that any citizen desiring information or having a problem will be y and efficiently directed to the proper office or person. 8. The Warrant Committee will approve expenditures for investigations by the three advisory committees, which will submit written reports to the Moderator on every investigation conducted. 9. The Warrant Committee will compile the reports of the three advisory committees, along with explanatory statements and other information on the warrant, and distribute the document to the Town Meeting members. 10. The Warrant Committee will also act in an advisory capacity to coordinate precinct meeting dates. 11. The Finance Committee will receive five-year capital budget plans arranged in priority order from the four elected boards, mesh them in an overall priority order and present the package to Town Meeting as the Capital Budget Plan. Once Town Metting adopts the plan, no capital appropriations can be made unless they conform to the plan or the plan is amended. Capital items will be $25,000 or more. 12. There will be two regularly scheduled Town Meetings, one in ,early May and the other in mid November. The operating budget will be considered in the May meeting. The capital budget plan will be considered in the November meeting. 13. The Town Meeting will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings unless a majority of Town Meeting decides otherwise. 14. The Moderator will be elected by the Town Meeting membership by ballot for a one-year term. 15. There will be no ex -officio members of Town Meeting. 16. Government officials who are not Town Meeting members will be permitted to make motions representing the majority position of their boards on articles placed in the warrant by their boards. 17. The debate restriction that limits a Town Meeting member from speaking a second time on an article until all others have been heard first will be abolished. 18. The Selectmen will deliver an annual "State of the Town" address to the Town Meeting. 19. The Selectmen may reopen the warrant at any time after the closing date in an emergency with approval of the majority of a quorum of the Warrant Committee. 20. The only elected boards will be the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, the Municipal Light Board and the Housing Authority. 21. The Board of Selectmen will be increased from three to five. 22. The Selectmen will accept all statutory responsibilities of the boards and committees listed under "Non -Statutory Committees" in the Proposed Govern- ment Organization (Figure 4-1). -23- -16- W F O —15— In our proposed reorganization, operating arms of Reading's government a: consolidated into seven major divisions. Part of the rationale behind the proposed arrangement of major town departments lies in the general laws. Othi consolidations include related functions, skills, and equipment. An example a detailed structure under this organization is given in Appendix A. Although this organization consolidates several currently independent bu related departments and organizations, we have avoided establishing second -le administrators where they are not needed. For example, we did not choose to combinethe Police and Fire Departments under a director of public safety. T functions are different and are governed by different statutes and state regu tions; and Reading is still small enough so that necessary coordination betwe the two departments can be supplied by the Town Administrator. Depending on personnel selected and the desires of the Town Administrator, a Division Head may also serve as the manager of one or more functions in that division. a In addition to the seven divisions, the Town Administrator will have the Town Clerk reporting to him. The Town Clerk has man functions which are ind 1 P g Y pendent from the rest of town government; his duties are largely statutory an thus must be independent from other departments. i i We are proposing a Public Lands and Works Division. This Division will 1 include the present Public Works functions, as well as be responsible for all equipment and building maintenance except those falling under the control of the School or Light Departments. A Park Department will also be included and Public Lands and Works and will administer all public lands, again excluding those of the School and Light Departments unless those departments agree to c otherwise. j We propose a Financial Services Division to consolidate the related a functions of accounting, collection, treasurer, appraising, and electronic d data processing. This Division will be similar to the Controller's Office n in most business organizations. The operations of the financial division ) 4 may be reviewed by an auditing function appointed by the Selectmen. Legis- lative checks of this organization already exist in Article III of the Town By -Laws which also provide for a citizen's check. The Public Library Division will operate much as it does today. The dLibrary Director will be jointly appointed by the Library Trustees and the W Selectmen rather than by the Selectmen, alone. This difference is prompted G by State laws which require that an appointed or elected board of library �D trustees exist where there is a library supported by public funds. O We propose a Human Services Division to include the functions of health veteran's affairs, aging, recreation, and other social programs. This divis creates a strong, high-level voice within the administrative organization fo' the various minority groups now represented and administered to by officers having small, individual influence. The organization will include a Division of Inspection and Measurement which will consolidate and integrate the various inspection and measurement functions and which will comply with the new state law requiring a full-time building inspector. -24-- y, as mentioned earlier, the Police and Fire Departments will continue 4.0 Recommended Reforms arate Divisions rather than be combined under a Division of Public The functions of enforcing dog licensing and leash laws will be We have already spelled out in Section 1 the criteria to which our recom- ed in the Police Department. mendations must conform. We have also stated that we would attempt to minimize the extent of structural and procedural changes as much as possible, i.e., change anaging this rather extensive organization is not a simple task. We for the sake of change alone is to be avoided. We adopted this attitude early inimized second -level management to keep down costs. This means that in our study when it became evident through cursory examination that cities and wn Administrator will rely heavily on the administrative capabilities towns that make extensive changes all at once suffer a much higher incidence of division heads. The Town Administrator himself, must be a highly governmental failure than those with a regular program of governmental review ent public administrator with a proven track record. Obtaining such with frequent small -step reforms. An example of the former is Ipswich, which on requires proper incentive. We feel we have structured his job so partially reversed itself on a recent extreme restructuring. An example of the be attractive to the top people in the field. We would strongly latter is Wellesley with a very smooth running, responsive government. end, as added incentive, that the Town appropriate for this position quate salary,_equivalent to that of the Superintendent of Schools and The extent of the reforms we are recommending cannot be considered extreme, nager of the Municipal Light Department. yet it exceeds the extent of a typical reform package in a town like Wellesley. This is necessitated because Reading has lagged behind somewhat in recent years here are both one-time and continuing costs to accomplish the reorgan- in bringing its government up to date. n set forth herein. A discussion of the one-time cost and manpower s for the continuing costs portion can be found in Appendix B. We 4.1 Summary of Proposed Reforms and Recommendations e that the cost of the necessary additional personnel can be, at least t, offset by increased operational efficiencies, besides buying Presented below is a listing of all proposed reforms and recommendations ed service. that have been developed. Amplification of and the rationale behind these re- forms and recommendations are given in Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4. Figure 4-1 ditional Recommendations is a diagram of the proposed structure to aid in understanding the reform plan. Details of the reference operations structure used to test the plan are given in he "Additional Recommendations" listed in Section 4.1 are separated from Appendix A. in reform package because we feel that these recommendations should be p to specific agencies of the government to implement as they see fit. Proposed Government Reforms entation of the main reform package is discussed in Section 5. 1. Precinct meetings will be held at least once a year to elect officers. he Committee has been concerned by the apparent lack in the Town of an A quorum, consisting of a majority of precinct members, must be present here conducive to getting out the vote. There is little "hooplah" as to elect officers, and officers must receive a majority of the votes e, and election day slips by with many citizens not recognizing it as present to be elected. It is for this reason that we have recommended a review of the sign By - seek ways of permitting controlled use of political signs. Even if it 2. Precinct chairmen will comprise a Warrant Committee chaired by the imited to permitting nonpartisan organizations to advertise the fact of Moderator. on day, we feel some gain in reducing apathy would have been made. We his should be the Planning Board's responsibility, since the sign By -Law 3. A five -man Planning and Development Committee will advise Town Meeting ually part of the zoning law. on all articles relating to planning and land use. nother contributing factor to apathy is lack of knowledge of Reading's 4. A five -man By -Law Committee will advise Town Meeting on all articles mental structure and lack of pride in the Town through ignorance of seeking to amend the Town By -Laws. g's history and heritage. For this reason, the recommendation has been hat the School Committee see that its administration enforce a policy of 5. Planning and Development and By -Laws Committee members will be Town ng our school children to Reading government and history. It is often Meeting members and will serve three-year terms. hat the effort would be wasted since so many children are destined to the Town. The Committee feels that first, some of these children will 6. The Finance Committee appointment committee will consist of the Moderator , thus benefiting from this knowledge; second, at least some of this as Chairman, the chairman of the Finance Committee and three precinct dge will transfer to the parents; and third, knowledge of a municipal, chairmen selected by the Warrant Committee. mental system, whatever it is, can hardly be considered a waste. 7. The membership of the Finance Committee will be fifteen and will contain at least eight Town Meeting members, and there will be at least one Finance Committee member from each precinct. -25- -14- The department heads meet frequently to duscuss mutual problems and to cooperate in carrying out their duties. Joint efforts are frequently initiated and carried out by the department heads; however, cooperation is sometimes hesitant and occasionally nonexistent because the administrators must return to their policy - setting boards for direction or for funding of cooperative efforts. In recent years there have been many incidents -- some humorous, some serious -- indicative of the destructured, fragmented nature of our government. Last summer, for example, a group of neighbors could not find a responsible arm of Town government to remove a dead skunk from a public way. The neighbors ended up burying it themselves. A few years ago an interested citizen desired to donate some land fill to improve the Y.M.C.A. site. To obtain permission to back his truck over town -owned land, he contacted the Police Department, the Selectmen, the Board of Public Works, and the School Department. At his own risk, he finally dumped the fill on the Y.M.C.A, lot without formal permission. The recently released Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Management Study of Reading's town government cites many areas in which our fragmented organization directly contributes to inefficiency or makes it difficult for the department heads to conduct their business properly. For example, the PMM&Co. Study found that personnel policies and procedures were inadequately documented and not fully understood by either employees or management; they found personnel records were out-of-date, job descriptions were inadequate, and that job classifications for similar jobs differed from department to department. Procurement administration is completely decentralized. There are no formal policies or guidelines except for those prescribed by By -Law, and procedures and practices vary from department to department. Procurement forms are not standard- ized. Fiscal administration is also fragmented. PMM&Co. found no overall direction or plan for data processing. Data proces- sing is not effective except in the school and municipal light departments. Plan- ning and budgeting is also fragmented. Property and facilities management proce- dures and methods also differ widely. Finally, and perhaps most important, communications between the various parts of Town government and between Town government and the public is less than satisfactory. There is no central telephone system to permit efficient direction of questions and problems to the proper official. The departments tend not to share resources. Standards and procedures are fragmented and non-uniform, and operational planning is not coordinated. 3.4 Conclusions The problems and problem areas discussed in this section are not in general unique to Reading. They seem to have been avoided to some degree in towns in which there is vigorous government review and modernization. By the same token they appear to be more aggravated in regressive towns, i.e., towns that have closed their eyes to the need for change to accommodate modern times. There are problems observed in other towns that Reading seems to have avoided. Often such problems can be explained by a unique circumstance of geographic loca- tion, population make up, industrial development, etc. However, there are certain problems, typically divisiveness, that pervade some towns, but not Reading. Coop- eration within government is one of Reading's strong points as will be illustrated in later discussion. We have described in Section 3.1 how diffusion of representation and obscurity of members in Town Meeting contribute to voter apathy. We have heard many persuasive arguments for reducing the size of Town Meeting to increase the visibility of Town Meeting members. This question has been one of the most difficult the Committee has faced. We would not at this time recommend any massive reduction in Town Meeting membership although a small reduction upon redistricting would probably be useful. We do recom- mend strongly, however, that the number of precincts be increased from four to eight. This would have the effect of decreasing the number of regular seats up for election each year from seventeen to eight per precinct. This should greatly aid voters in becoming more familiar with candidates for these seats. A consequence of failing to increase the number of precincts is the impact on the membership of the Warrant Committee. The duties of this Committee were formulated with a membership of eight plus the Moderator in mind. A decision by the Town not to increase the number of precincts could however, be accommodated by including on the Warrant Committee a second elected member of each precinct. In future redistricting of the Town, particularly if the number of pre- cincts is increased, the Committee feels attempts should be made to draw the lines such that each precinct possesses its own unique characteristics, rather than arranging the lines such as to diffuse special characteristics among several precincts. Thus, the case for special neighborhood interests could be adequately presented at Town Meeting. One of the basic aims of the reform package, as we have already stated, is to enhance the role of the Selectmen as community leaders and policy coordinators. We have also stated that to accomplish this the Selectmen should delegate some of their day-to-day duties to advisory boards, which they have within their power to appoint. Although the Committee has broad- ened this discretionary power by minimizing the number of statutory boards and offices in the reform government structure, it strongly recommends that the Selectmen exercise their discretion and appoint at least those of the standing advisory committees that appear in the proposed government organi- zation chart (Figure 4-1). Specifically, the additional advisory boards would be Board of Public Works, Board of Health, Cemetery Trustees, Board of Public Safety and Licensi Board. Most of these boards already exist as statutory boards; however, the Public Safety and Licensing Boards are new to Reading. They are, however, necessary to enable the Selectmen to keep from having to devote an inordinate amount of time to any one area under their control. It has been noted, for instance, that two activities that occupy much of the Selectmen's time are do hearings and license hearings. Under the reform plan these could be delegate to the two new boards. It is also recommended that the Selectmen retain a School Committee memb on the Advisory Recreation Committee as is present practice. The demands on School Committee members in recent years have been growin to an extent that threatens the members' ability to function effectively in a of the areas within their responsibility. Much of the School Committee's tin -13- -26- !n up with non-academic matters that are almost administrative in These are generally time consuming and detract from the School :ee's primary purpose -- that of establishing educational policy Town. Under the proposed reforms, a central administrative tre would exist that would be fully capable of handling many try duties such as purchasing, building and grounds maintenance, -ocessing, accounting, non-academic personnel management and .y even academic personnel management and labor relations. fere is an embryonic but growing trend toward this wort of action. -, it occurs only in municipalities in which there is a great deal :idence in the administration. We do not consider this an action mediate implementation under the reform plan. We would prefer to to School Committee assess the competence of the new administration : in the best interest of the school system to decide which, if any, idemic functions should be transfered. number of proposals were entertained for encouraging coordination i the three elective policy units, namely the Board of Selectmen, Committee and Municipal Light Board. For example, we considered individual Selectmen act as ex -officio members of the School Com - and Light Board; or having the chainmen of the three boards act >ers of a committee with certain statutory functions among which >e the duties of the Law Committee. We discarded these ideas be - we felt that since these boards had primary independent responsi- to the electorate, statutory conflicts would arise. We also felt �ading's ability to act in a cooperative effort could prevail to the needed policy coordination, providing the mechanism were not Some. therefore recommend that the chairmen of these three boards meet ime to time to discuss matters of mutual interest. We also recommend to chairman of the Housing Authority and the Regional School repre- ive be included in these discussions. Further, we recommend that officials encourage their administrators to consult one another at ninistrative level. Past Government Study Committees have made such endations to *.which little heed has been paid. We feel that the reason is is that under the present and past systems there has been such a number of independent boards and officials that the very size of the ing would render it ineffective. We feel that a group of four, having hands the reins of authority over all policy coordination for the can be a most effective unit. nclnsions n reflecting on the reforms and recommendations presented in this n it is apparent that Reading's basic governmental traditions have reserved, although within a more formal context. We have not intro - change so much; rather we have established a more expedient mechanism e execution of change in a deliberate thoughtful manner by government als. Specific actions, such as those suggested in the Finance Com - 's operations study, can be carried out in an orderly fashion by the riate agency under the proposed structure. A transition carried out this structure would hardly be an upsetting affair since the existing mental activities would proceed essentially as they do today. -27- The current structure of Reading's Boards and Committees leads to splintered responsibilities and produces interest groups with limited concerns. There is no elected executive body with the interest of, or the responsibility for, the total community. No person or group can plan for and implement broadly based community policies. Recommendations are made in functional vacuums and acted upon by a legislative body receiving its only guidance from a non -elected committee concerned largely with fiscal affairs. The lack of community based policy development results in no overall ordering of priorities, the most important of all executive functions. The Town Meeting, as a legislative body is neither organized to rationally pursue this time consuming and critical function or designed, by nature of its size, to debate the issues, unless they are clearly drawn and a proper foundation has been laid. Under today's structure Town Meeting is often called upon to vote funds for programs without benefit of discussion of the effect of the program upon the total community. The lack of coordination between boards and overall policy direction results in competition for limited funds, the outcome of which may depend upon personality, chance, the skill of the presenter or any number of factors unrelated to the overall needs of the community. Reading does not have a community development plan, nor does now it have the capacity to plan for its own development without outside assistance. The lack of a plan places Reading at a disadvantage in competing for federal funds. The lack of an internal planning capability causes Reading to poorly utilize the services of outside consultants, which, by their nature, are unlikely to have an under- standing of the needs and goals of the community. The Commonwealth and the Nation are moving toward the delegation of greater authority to regional planning agencies and other regional institutions. It is increasingly important that towns be in a position to make their concerns known to these organizations and that they speak with a single voice. Transportation priorities for Reading should not be established during a crisis under the time pressures enforced by an outside body. Priorities should be proposed only after a rational planning process, which has involved citizen participation. The final decisions must be those of elected officials who are subject to replacement at the polls. 3.3 Lack of Adequate Management Structure Sometime ago the Reading Chronicle published an excellent cartoon depicting Reading's government as a monster with many independent, uncoordinated heads. Although, like most cartoons, the caricature overstated the actual situation, Reading's government, indeed, consists of many heads and little central authority. This multi -headed situation starts at the policy level where our elected boards set policy for their administrators to follow. Because policy is determined by independent boards, the administrators tend or sometimes are forced to operate independently, since they are responsible to the boards which have hired them. It is a great tribute to Reading's full-time and part-time administrative personnel that they have been able to function, particularly in recent years, in spite of, rather than because of, the basic organization of Reading's government. -12- Police (under the Selectmen), the Town Forest Committee and perhaps even the Conservation Commission and the Recreation Committee? The Selectmen, in this case, and others are frequently powerless to help because authority and respon- sibility are unclear or splintered between organizations. The citizens pre- sently have no other recourse and thus become alienated from their government. Citizens do not feel that exercising their choice at the polls will in any way enhance the ability of the government to solve their problems. Poor visibility of town officials is resulting in a frustrated citizenry, which has difficulty in identifying clear lines of accountability. The ballot is too long; the voters do not feel that their vote is important when a lengthy ballot requires them to make twenty-five to thirty judgements, about which they cannot possibly be well informed. Incumbents become familiar names and are usually returned to office by a wide margin, which discourages other potential candidates. Occasionally slots on the ballot go begging, not only for challengers to incumbents, but even for candidates for vacant positions, as we have seen in recent elections. This results in either appointment by the Selectmen, or in a last minute write-in candidate, whose credentials are entirely unknown to the voters, and who requires only a token vote to be elected. In the latter case, accountability is entirely lacking. The candidate has not even gone through the nomination procedure, and the finger of responsibility cannot be pointed at an appointing authority. The ineffectiveness of Town Meeting is due mainly to inadequate communica- tion with the Administration. Service in Town Meeting is losing appeal because that legislative body is required to make major decisions affecting the Town on the basis of too little information, received frequently too late for competent judgements. Precinct meetings are no longer held. Town government does little to inform Town Meeting, and the Town Meeting members do even less to inform them- selves. In other legislative bodies it is the obligation of the legislators to obtain the information they need to make decisions. In Reading our diffused authority makes it nearly impossible for this to occur. Therefore, debate on issues is not substantive and frequently bears little relationship to the real importance of an issue. This trend must not continue if Town Meeting is to survive. One final observation of a contributing factor to apathy is an increasing lack of esprit de corps within the government community. This detracts from community pride in the population. This is not an unusual problem in suburban towns like Reading that do not possess some unique natural features. The burden is directly placed, in such towns, on the Town fathers to generate an atmosphere in which community pride can thrive. Only a strong Board of Selectmen with sufficient time to exercise their responsibility as community leaders can rectify this problem. 3.2 Lack of Policy Development and Plannin The development of policy for an organization, whether it be public or private, requires an understanding of and concern for the total body. Policy by its very nature cannot be developed in a piece -meal fashion because the _ action of each part of the organization effects the others. A decision to improve a sewer or water system results in the expenditure of funds which, once committed, cannot be used for the improvement of public health or police services. Funds once allocated to fire prevention cannot be used for addi- tional elderly housing, improved library services or recreational activities. Very few of the individual reforms recommended are unique within the State. They have almost all been established in one or more towns. This is especially true of the choice of a Town Administrator as a central author ity. In recent years, particularly since passage of the Home Rule Amendment the Town Administrator form of government has become increasingly prevalent, (note the Charters of Walpole, Blackstone, North Reading, Easton and most recently Hudson), and has generally met with success. This government form has no specific legislative basis and thus varies from town to town. Its ma characteristics are that it falls short of a Town Manager form for central authority and vests little policy making power in the Town Administrator, th, requiring a strong Board of Selectmen. These broad characteristics are evident in our proposed plan; however, detail our plan is uniquely designed to meet Reading's needs. It is the sor of plan that Executive Secretary forms usually evolve to. One can always point to instances in which success has been less than overwhelming. Often root of the trouble is a certain amount of dissention and jealousy existing the town, rather than the form of the plan itself. This one problem Reading does not have. This committee has found in the government community great cooperative will and a strong desire to do what is best for the Town. For t reason we are confident that Reading will have a minimal problem in adjustin to the changes we have recommended. -11- -28- )lementation (e primary choice between methods of implementation of govern - reforms is constrained by legal and political considerations. ;'s "charter" is presently a collection of Acceptance Acts, Special ative Acts, Referendum Actions and By -Laws, all further constrained =_ral Laws. There are various means of amending or repealing these and the(:means differ depending on the type of law. For instance, a can be amended by having the question placed on the ballot by petition, aan be amended by a majority vote of the Town Meeting. A Special Act amended by a vote of the electorate on a question placed on the ballot wo-thirds vote of the Town Meeting or by an instruction given to the ature by a vote of the Town Meeting; action by the Legislature is not wily automatic. Acceptance Acts must remain accepted unless a r is adopted. A Charter Commission automatically negates Special Acts -Laws unless specifically stated otherwise. hese are only a few examples of some of the implementation decisions faced. The powers of the Attorney General and the Legislature also epending un the type of act. Whereas Special Acts are within the purview Legislature, By -Laws must be approved by the Attorney General. There nurse in the courts in the case of By -Laws, but not in the case of 1 Acts. By the same token, the Attorney General has recourse in the concerning a Referendum Vote, since no laws passed by a municipality in conflict with State Law or the Constitution. he integrity of proposed changes also depends on the implementation Amendments to Special Acts or By -Laws submitted to the Town Meeting rant Articles can be debated and amended before final passage. On the hand referendum questions placed on the ballot by petition are either ed or rejected in toto as is the case with charters. he time of effectivity is another variable depending on the mode of entation. For instance, By -Law changes or new By -Laws require in the ty of five months to become effective after passage by Town Meeting. 1 Acts could take longer depending on the Legislative schedule. ndum questions and Charters, however, become effective immediately pproval by the eleclorate. inally there is the question of legal notice. Notice by the courts en immediately of Special Acts, Acceptance Acts, and Charters; while s must be introduced as evidence in court cases. hese and many other factors come into play in deciding on the method lementation. The extent of the reform plan is of prime consideration. s the reason why towns that pursue a policy of frequent updating of governmental structure tend to use the Special Act and By -Law on route, as opposed to towns requiring more extensive reform. These towns are more often found utilizing the Acceptance Act (eg. Town r form. Citv Plan A.B.C.D, or E, etc.) or the Charter Commission. O U -29- -10- N — v d' r N 0 00 N 0 1.0 00 Ln .n N c a d — d d d OO O O O O O O O O O O d -29- -10- a� N I i l l l l l l l l l l l l O Fi O O O O O O O y .O u1 M > H -9- N cd d' N N 0 r` 00 10 10 W N 0 10 00 Ln d' N O Ln oo d' w w a There are some cities and towns, however, that have introduced only minor changes through a Charter Commission. In such a case, the municipality was relatively satisfied with its system and was using the Charter Commission mainly to consolidate its Charter in one document. In most cases Charter Commissions tend to establish the concept of a chief administrative office with appropriate checks, and a strengthened Board of Selectmen with decreased administrative duties. (Backup of much of this discussion can be found in various publications of the Office of Municipal Planning and Management that are contained in the Committee's library). _ This Committee's decision in weighing these many factors is to recom- mend to the Town that a Charter Commission be elected to implement the reform plan laid out in Section 4 above. However, there are certain aspects of the plan that we feel should be implemented as soon as possible. These relate mainly to a shift in the government calendar to conform with the new State fiscal year and several Town Meeting reforms not in any way affecting the remainder of the plan. The Committee will attempt to implement these by inserting articles in the current Town Meeting Warrant. 5.1 Charter Commission Implementation The extent of our reform plan makes it almost imperative that implementa. tion be accomplished by Charter Commission. As a primary consideration we fe( that since there are some profound changes in this plan, particularly the chat in the number of elected officials, the citizens of the Town should have the final say on acceptance or rejection of this plan. Secondarily, the use of implementation means other than Charter Commission would make it necessary to undergo a variety of modes of implementation for various aspects of the plan. In some of these cases the plan would be subject to amendment, and in other cases it would not. Parts of the plan might be accepted, and others defeated Among those accepted the effectivity date could span a year and possibly more depending on the action of the Legislature. Those portions subject to amendm could be indiscriminately altered to upset the careful balance of power and responsibility between the various branches of the government. In short the plan could be so emasculated in this multimode process that it would do the T more of a disservice than a service. We find furthermore, that there are fewer constraints placed upon a Charter Commission in accomplishing its goals of reform. One reason for this is that what might be considered an inconsistancy with State law by the Legis lature, with a consequent refusal to pass or amend a Special Act, might not b considered grounds for the Attorney General to challenge a Charter. Carter Lee, specialist in municipal affairs in the Attorney General's office for many years, has stated in part, "We have tried, rightly or wrongly to go behind the wording of the general laws to see if there appears to be some public policy which was intended to be established by the legislature when it passed them. For example, we have taken it as a matter of public policy in Massachusetts that local school committees not be paid. Therefore, in at least one case where there was a provision in a charter providing for payment, we have said that we interpreted this as contrary to the general laws, which state that school committees are to be unpaid, because we felt that, in this case, the provision was not merely directory, but did establish a public policy. Suppose, however, that a town decides to have seven select- men instead of five or three. If they prescribe this in a charter, I don't think we would be disposed to say that it was inconsistent, as I don't think there is any public policy that you've got to have five or three." -30- t Section 1 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws reads, "Every Town at its meeting shall in every year when the term of office of any incumbent , and except when other provision is made by law, choose by ballot from istered voters the following town officers for the following terms in - Three or five selectmen for the term of one or three years, subject provisions of Section Twenty-one - " Although the Legislature has the o change its own laws and has done so on occasion with Special Acts, ld hardly be confident of achieving a seven -man Board of Selectmen by al Act of the Legislature. lementation by Warrant Articles e Committee has carefully examined the reform plan to extract portions ly implementation. The criteria used were that speedy action was ry and the reforms selected would be desirable in the context of today's ent. Relatively few of the items in the plan satisfied these criteria, any of the ideas were incorporated to maintain the balance of powers in orm plan. For instance, mandating precinct meetings has little value there is incentive to hold the meetings. The incentive provided in the the power granted to the precincts to create watchdog committees. The r creation of such committees is mainly to counter balance the power rated in the hands of the Selectmen under the new plan. Creation of such ees now could overbalance the power of the legislative branch, thus hamstringing the operation of the executive boards, which already dis- weakness in generating an integrated policy. e articles submitted in the Warrant for the current Town Meeting would e following effects: eal the part of the debate restriction rule (Article 11, Rule 4 in the ) that states that all Town Meeting members desiring to speak must be efore a member may speak a second time on a motion. is rule is a holdover from open Town Meeting and was designed to prevent or from being monopolized by one or two persons. It is honored now more breach than in the observance and serves to restrict honest debate on an Strict observance could prevent a member from adequately rebutting is against his position, particularly if the opposition were quick to e question. Repeal of this rule should encourage more thorough debate. uire that the Selectmen make an annual "State -of -the -Town" address to eting. though this action by the Selectmen would have more meaning under the plan, we feel it is important now that the present and future status of n be placed in perspective periodically by those best able to assess uation. 3.0 Maior Problem Areas Our study has revealed the existence of many problems in the Town. Some of the problems are evident on a day-to-day basis and some surface occasionally; still others have not been evidenced as yet, but obviously will at some future time if no action is taken. Some problems are considered as such by a few and not by others. Many problems cannot be attacked by government reform and have thus been placed outside the scope of this study. Most of the problems seem to be interrelated; however, a few stand by themselves. -- The problems we chose to deal with could have been categorized in many ways. The three major problem areas we selected happen to be aligned with general government structure and, thus, lend themselves to treatment by government reform. Although each of the major problem areas is the subject of a separate subsection below, it will be obvious that it cannot be viewed in an entirely separate light. For instance, one can safely say that problems brought about by a lack of an adequate management structure (one major problem area) exist because this very deficiency is a child of the diffused authority characteristic of the many inde- pendent officials, boards and committees. This diffused authority is also directly responsible for the lack of policy development we have identified as another major problem area. Drawing these links is an immensely complex task of doubtful utility. Thus, the reader is left to accomplish this himself. We do not wish to infer from this that Reading is riddled with problems or that it is about to succumb to catastrophe. There are many commendable aspects of Reading government. Our task, however, was to concentrate on the problems, so they may seem somewhat out of perspective in the following account. 3.1 Apathy The most conspicuous problem facing Reading government today is apathy. Two statistical charts, figures 3-1 and 3-2, clearly show the coincidental decline in voter and candidate interest. From 1964 to 1973 the number of contested seats in town elections has dropped radically, while during the same period there was a downward turn in the voting trend. This declining interest in local government appears to be worse in Reading than in many other communities. Our studies show that the voting percentages hover in the 201 range, indicating that up to 80% of the townspeople are apathetic. These percentages, while not pecular to Reading, are on the low end of the scale for towns of Reading's size. Reading has a participation form of government, which will only survive through open and vigor- ous political activity. For many people, the cost of running the local community takes more from their salaries and savings than do other levels of government. Local government is not small business and requires the proper balance of expertise and citizen in -put. This Committee does not accept the fact that declining citizen in -put is due to contentment. Our study reveals three factors contributing to apathy: the unrespon- siveness of government to the people, the poor visibility of the town officials and the ineffectiveness of Town Meeting. Unresponsiveness causes people to feel remote from their government. Citizens assume that the Selectmen, the "Town Fathers", should be able to handle all their various problems in some way. In reality, the Selectmen have limited authority over town government, since the different Town departments each function under separate elected boards that are not responsible to the Selectmen. Who is to make the ultimate decision regarding the problems at the Town forest when the use of this area can involve the Water Department (under the Board of Public Works), the -31- -8- The final month of the study was spent in preparing this report. Altogether fifty-eight formal meetings and two public hearings were conducted. In addition, numerous informal personal and telephone discussions were held, and the committee members attended many Board and CoDamittee meetings. Individual assignments were made in which the responsibility for cove•age of tie. current affaics and policies of the various boards and committees were divided between tae members. Various areas of investigation, such as impact of regionalism, problems and coinplatnts, r_urrant davalopmeats in other to-'ras, legal aspects of restructuring, etc. were also assigned to individual members. In addi`C:ri to these assignments three of our members supported a sub- committee of the Finance Co�mni.ttee to develop the work statement and select the contractor for the operations study. Later one member served as a member of the steering committee monitoring that contract. Two interim reports were prepared in addition to this final report. They were presented at the Town Meetings held on September 24, 1973 and March 11,1974. In addition to these reports, a number of articles and news releases were prepared for publication in the local press to keep the public informed of the Committee's progress. 3. A Subsequent Town Meeting will be regularly scheduled annually. The Town has had at least one Special Town meeting every year except one in recent times. These meetings are called on relatively short notice and deal with few issues. As a result the annual meeting is overloaded with articles, often exceeding seventy in number, and proper consideration is not necessarily given all of these issues. A regularly scheduled Subsequent Town Meeting approximately six months from the annual meeting would fill the need that a special Town Meeting fills and at the same time take the pres- sure off the annual meeting by acting on many time consuming articles. 4. Eliminate regular Saturday Town Meeting Sessions. One of the consequences of shifting the government time table, which will be discussed below, is the moving of Town Meeting to the first Monday in May. It is obvious that obtaining a quorum on a Saturday in May may be difficult. It is felt that elimination of Saturday sessions will not substantially lengthen the inclusive time that .*he annual meeting takes since many of the articles will have been taken up in the Subsequent Meeting. 5. Change the required vote for departing from the Monday -Thursday Town Meeting schedule from two thirds to majority. This will give greater flexibility to the Town Meeting to adjust the schedule to the work load. 6. Alter the government time table as shown in Table 4-1. This change in time table represents primarily a shift of approximately eight weeks later in the calendar year, with the various intervals kept essentially as they are today. There is one notable exception, which is the interval between elections and the business session of the Annual Town Meeting. We have chosen to increase this interval to three weeks instead of the present nine days and to continue to have elections come before the business session. The increase in time provides opportunity for newly elected Town Meeting members to participate in precinct meetings, although it does remove from the Boards and Committees some of the more experienced members just prior to Annual Town Meeting, a critical time. We feel that this disadvantage is out weighed by the added time of acquaintanceship for the new Town Meeting members, since there are other experienced members on the Boards and Committees to carry on the pre -Town Meeting work. It should also be remembered that many of the presently elected officials, such as Treasurer and Tax Collector, will be appointed, and such appointment will take place after the Annual Town Meeting is concluded. The possibility of having elections after the business session was pondered, and some testimony favorable to this approach was received. We rejected the action mainly on two grounds. The first was the "lame duck" issue, and the second was, with the business session coming so late in the calendar year, obtaining a good voter turnout would be jeopardized. The fact is that after Town Meeting adjourns -7- -32- ie breathes a sigh of relief and goes into political hybernation. >wn Meeting elections in June would be an anti -climax. 1ple justification has been received by this Committee to shift rernment time table to conform more closely with the new State year. We will not dwell on the details of this reasoning here. ,, the reasons center around obtaining the most up-to-date fiscal More making decisions on the operating budget. ie final modification of recent practice in the above calendar return of election day from Saturday to Monday. The By -Law rn Committee in 1971 tried to increase voter turnout by changing action day from Monday to Saturday. It is obvious that this >uccessful, and in fact, appears to have hurt voter turnout. :cently, a State primary election held on Tuesday drew more Chau any Town Saturday elections. We feel hopeful that the > we have proposed in this report would heighten voter interest future. 2.0 Chronology and Effort The first meeting of the Committee was held in January of 1973 for organization purposes. The membership consisted of Malcolm White, Theo Johnson, Sandra Gray as secretary, Corliss Van Horn as vice chairman and George Theophanis as chairman. Later in the year Donald Walker and Jack Cairl joined the committee, and Malcolm White resigned leaving the present six members. We adopted a three - phase approach to our study. These phases overlapped so that there was no clear point in time separating the phases. The first phase was essentially a fact finding effort and, although information was received until almost the end of our study, the bulk of this effort was accomplished in six months. This phase involved interviews and discussions with past Government Study and By -Law Committee members, past and present Town Government experts, State Department of Community Affairs representatives and officials from other towns. It also involved compiling a library of documents pertaining to Reading government and municipal government in general. Finally, two high school student volunteers were enlisted to gather facts about trends in Reading's political activity. The second phase consisted of discovering existing and potential problems, and identifying areas of commonality between these problems. The bulk of this effort required approximately nine months. It involved mainly interviews with Town government officials and employees, private citizen's groups and individual citizens. Considerable input also came from personnel from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., who was conducting the Finance Committee's operations study. The third phase involved developing our recommendations and means of implementing our proposed reforms. Input was received in this area from the outset of the study; however, the main effort consumed six months. Again interviews with Town Officials and citizens, coupled with public hearings and discussions with municipal government experts provided the main source of information for this effort. Another source of ideas was our library, which contained a fair representation of literature pertaining to municipal planning and government. In addition, the State Department of Community Affairs conducted a study for us entitled "Study Report on the Constitution of Finance Committees in Representative Town Meeting Systems". Our method of treating this information was to establish early in this phase a reference structure and reform package adhering to the principles and constraints described in Section 1 of this report. We termed this reference structure a "strawman". It was employed to encourage relevant comments and reaction from the government and non-government sectors of the community. After many modifications, the strawman evolved into the recom- mended reform package presented in Section 5 of this report. Implementation methods were then investigated. The advisability of implementing some of the reforms immediately, as opposed to holding the entire package for the pacing items, was investigated and several items were withdrawn for early implementation. -33- -6- I I 1 n� 1 1 1 I -5- s W 6.0 Acknowledgements This Committee gratefully acknowledges the co-operation and consideration rendered us by the Town officials, boards and personnel during our study. The information furnished by these capable and dedicated people gave us necessary insight and background for our study. The Committee would also like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance and guidance given by the many interested individuals and citizen groups of Reading. Their informed opinions, ideas and suggestions guided us in the formulation of the basic philosophy of our recommendations. We would like to acknowledge the work accomplished by the Reading Htgh School students, Miss Linda Hamel and Miss Ann Barrett. These two exceptional young ladies spent many hours researching voting statistics. Throughout our study, it has been our good fortune to have had the unlimited use of the Reading Chronicle. Mr. Bruce Morang, editor of the Chronicle, has been more than generous in affording the committee the opportunity to present our progress and proposals, via his paper, to Reading citizens. During the study, the Committee benefited greatly by the meetings and discussions with Mr. John Dalton, of the Department of Community Affairs. We thank Mr. Dalton and his office of Municipal Planning for providing us with their expertise in the areas of Municipal Government and Municipal Planning and Development. We also offer our sincere thanks to Mrs. Nancy Anderson and the Conservation Commission, Mrs. Joyce Miller and the Board of Library Trustees, and the Selectmen and staff for providing the space for our meetings. Our Committee owes a lasting debt of gratitude to Miss Marie Tutrone wh has devoted many hours typing the committee reports, agendas and research material. -34- 0 I I I F i w Fw w N I I zzg zN H FI oW� 0 a� °F V) i F H1 a I L_.__--- -5- s W 6.0 Acknowledgements This Committee gratefully acknowledges the co-operation and consideration rendered us by the Town officials, boards and personnel during our study. The information furnished by these capable and dedicated people gave us necessary insight and background for our study. The Committee would also like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance and guidance given by the many interested individuals and citizen groups of Reading. Their informed opinions, ideas and suggestions guided us in the formulation of the basic philosophy of our recommendations. We would like to acknowledge the work accomplished by the Reading Htgh School students, Miss Linda Hamel and Miss Ann Barrett. These two exceptional young ladies spent many hours researching voting statistics. Throughout our study, it has been our good fortune to have had the unlimited use of the Reading Chronicle. Mr. Bruce Morang, editor of the Chronicle, has been more than generous in affording the committee the opportunity to present our progress and proposals, via his paper, to Reading citizens. During the study, the Committee benefited greatly by the meetings and discussions with Mr. John Dalton, of the Department of Community Affairs. We thank Mr. Dalton and his office of Municipal Planning for providing us with their expertise in the areas of Municipal Government and Municipal Planning and Development. We also offer our sincere thanks to Mrs. Nancy Anderson and the Conservation Commission, Mrs. Joyce Miller and the Board of Library Trustees, and the Selectmen and staff for providing the space for our meetings. Our Committee owes a lasting debt of gratitude to Miss Marie Tutrone wh has devoted many hours typing the committee reports, agendas and research material. -34- APPENDIX A REFERENCE OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE detailed operational structure has been developed as an adjunct to ng recommendations for the main body of this report. Figure A-1 ates the eight -division organization reporting to the Town trator. The Public Lands and Works Division is made up of two ents each containing six sections. All public lands are tered through the Park Department, thus providing opportunities sonnel and equipment consolidation. An added advantage of having Department is that it could be established under provisions of 45 of the General Laws, thus resulting in possible financial benefits, as safeguards in the hands of the Town Meeting. The Works ent is organized much as It is today except that it includes equipment lding maintenance sections. e Financial Services Division consolidates the functions of Treasurer, ant, Collector and Appraiser and includes control of electronic ocessing when it becomes a reality. Any one of the above individuals ead this division depending on his administrative qualifications. ountant may, in practice, be the most appropriate individual for St. e Human Services Division contains most of the operational functions he Board of Health oversees, plus affairs of the Veterans Agent, nd youth services, and the recreation operations. This Division structured to act in anticipation of current and future Federally programs in the human resources area. Coordination between the d the present welfare office, now administered by the State, can mplished through this Division. The recreation operations were placed division rather than in the Park Department because recreation be program oriented rather that facilities oriented. e Library Division contains the Public Library in the form in L operates today.` Additional future functions could be the operation ums, special educational programs, historical record maintenance,etc. e inspection Division satisfies the new inspection Department tion and also includes administration for the various measurement shown in Figure A-1. Sewer inspection is included in this Division of the need for close coordination with building and plumbing ion. However, milk and food inpection is left in the Human s Division since it is primarily a health function and requires interfacing with other inspection functions. e Police Division contains the Police Department as it is now ed plus the function of the Dog Officer. Such consolidation provide for better communications and better law enforcement. e Fire Division is the present Fire and Alarms Departments, re already operating under the Fire Chief. ere is no change in the duties or organization of the Town office. Section 4 will also describe the recommended governmental restructuring, the essence of which appears in Figure 1-1. The recommendations made under this sec- tion are in some cases specific and in other cases rather broad. The broad recom- mendations, as stated earlier, have been tested through an exercise in which a detailed government orgranization (see Appendix A) was developed. It is not neces- sarily recommended that this organization be adopted, but it is an example of a workable organization within the framework of the broader recommendations. It will be pointed out that almost all the individual reforms proposed have been adopted by other municipalities in the State with varying degrees of success. Yet, our total reform package is not rigidly fashioned after any specific existing or model government; rather it is uniquely designed to fit Reading's needs and temperament. Many of the recommendations presented in this section affect the status of government officials, boards and committees. The Committee wishes at this time to make it abundantly clear that these recommendations should in no way be taken as adverse reflections on the performance of any individual. The final major section, Section 5, describes two modes of implementation of the recommended reforms. First, we are recommending to the Town that a Charter Commission be elected to implement the bulk of the reform package. At the begin- ning of our study we decided to investigate the desirability of having a Charter Commission. We feel that the Town was wise in creating a Government Study Committee rather than immediately electing a Charter Commission. In this manner the question of the desirability of a Charter Commissipn could be thoroughly probed. Furthermore, this Committee, experienced as it now is, feels that the eight months permitted by home rule law to draft a Charter is hardly adequate considering the depth of study necessary to come to valid conclusions. A Charter Commission at this time would have available the results of an up- to-date and very comprehensive research effort, considering the three major studies undertaken in the last three years. For our part we would not necessarily expect the Commission to accept our conclusions and recommendations at face value; however, our records, minutes and library are all available for the Commission's use. Specifically, a Charter Commission is recommended because we feel that the citizens should have the right to vote on a plan as extensive as our proposal. In addition, implementation by other means is extremely complex, is less flexible and could, through partial implementation or indiscriminate modification, seriously jeopardize the integrity of the proposed plan. The second mode of implementation described in Section 5 is the insertion of By -Law revisions in the Warrant for this Meeting. These changes primarily affect the government calendar and will be described in this section. A-1 -4- often to the detriment of the Town at large. Examples of such detrimental effects are clearly evident. With regionalism having so important an impact on our future living, the Town's inability to speak with a single authorita- tive voice in behalf of its own interest could be extremely harmful. Finally, Section 3 shows how the lack of adequate management structure results in certain inefficiencies, duplication of effort, lack of fiscal con- trol, inadequate personnel policy and inadequate responsiveness to public needs. This appears to be a harsh judgement of a system that has performed comparatively well. The dangers of these inadequacies are in some cases more potential than existing. This is a tribute to the quality and dedication of Reading's administrative personnel. The exigencies are, however, real, and the system is overtaxed. It cannot sustain further stress from added external constraints and internal demands for services in its present form. Support for these observations comes from government personnel, the public at large and from the results of the Finance Committee's operations study. Section 4 describes recommendations for reforms to deal with the problem areas delineated in Section 3. In choosing among the alternatives for reform it was necessary to pattern the proposed changes after a specific governmental philosophy. In developing this philosophy we were sensitive to the greater public desire, which we concluded to be the continuance of a participation, or town form of government. This means a largely voluntary participation of a relatively broad segment of the citizenry in policy formulation and legislative functions. Not all citizens agree with this point of view; in fact, guidelines developed by the State Legislature recommend that towns the size of Reading become cities. Furthermore, the existance of apathy would seem to dictate departing from a parti- cipation form of government. Despite these pressures the Committee felt it would be remiss in not responding to public desire and in not attempting'to formulate a workable government structure within the realm of the town format. We are encour- aged in this belief by the successful functioning of other towns up to twice the population of Reading. Our view toward adopting positions on reforms has been to do as little restructuring as possible to achieve our goals, consistent with maintaining a proper balance of power between the branches of government. Specifically, we feel that the representative Town Meeting should be retained. However, it should be strengthened as a legislative body and more clearly separated from the executive branch. The voluntary boards and committees should also be retained for policy formulation. However, they should be appointed rather than elected, where possible. The role of the Selectmen should be enhanced so that they can truly act as the Town's political and community leaders. There should be a clearer separation between the policy development and oper- ations branches with a central professional administrative authority having strong coordinating powers between the various operating units. N 0 ra q N o.. x �0 � x a ,� W w U �o a w HU 0 U a C) ELQ a W W� -3- A-2 �z W v Oz 0 U a a C. N H cn bt a� ro � a' A x P , o m ~ 0 N k N F in 'ti ro N ro 0 A b h u) zw U k m ., •M u H U c°p (k bb bA W x Y U) W a7 -3- A-2 �z W u Oz 0 w a a W H cn bt a� ro � a' A x P , o m ~ 0 N k N F in 'ti ro N ro 0 A b h u) zw U k m ., w u H U c°p (k P, -3- A-2 �z W u Oz 0 w a a W cn bt a� ro � Ya zW H :J M ^ W b h u) zw U k m ., W V)u U H o n u .c� U QE' W -3- A-2 �z W Oz w a� ro zW H :J M ^ W b h u) e distribution of duties in this organization has been made primarily basis of similarity of programs and facilities, rather than being with the board structure. This does not alter the duties of the but has them utilizing the manpower and facilities resources of an one division. Since the Town Administrator has the responsibility that all established policies and statutory requirements are d, it will be up to him to see that the boards receive their ry support regardless in which division or department that support A-3 these failings; and third, a sense of the townspeople as to the type of government they desire. Formulating recommended reforms was thus reduced to selecting legally, fiscally and politically viable solutions acceptable in large part to the general public. In establishing the goals of our study we created other criteria for our recommendations in addition to legal, fiscal and political viability, and acceptability to the Town. Primarily, we felt that no recommendation should be made unless the means of implementing it could be either clearly stated or actually undertaken by this Committee. We further required that all recommendations be fully tested to establish in our minds that errors were not being made. This latter criterion led to the development of a de- tailed reference governmental reorganization and cost analysis. The details of this package will not be presented as specific recommendations but as proof of the viability of our more general recommendations. 1.2 Summary The remainder of this report is divided into four major sections. The first (Section 2) deals with the methods and procedures employed to conduct the study; the second (Section 3) identifies the major problem areas dis- covered; the third (Section 4) describes the recommendations made, the fourth (Section 5) deals with the proposed means of implementing these recommendations. Finally, a number of appendices contains facts and results of analyses relating to our study. The first major section, Section 2, describes the three-phase approach we adopted and the extent and nature of our studies, interviews and deliberations. It also discusses the extent of contributions to the study by Town Government personnel and officers -past and present, State officials, student staff members, private groups, the general public and the press. Section 3 describes many of the problems pointed out to us along with examples and supporting data. We have grouped these problems into three major areas, in which the problems appear to have common roots. These three areas are 1. Public apathy 2. Lack of policy development and planning 3. Lack of adequate management structure The report will show two prime evidences of apathy. One is statistics of indica- tors of political activity, such as voter turnout and percentages of contested offices and seats; the other is testimony relating to the limited effectiveness of Town Meeting given to us by both members and non-members of Town Meeting. These and other evidences have been compared with data and opinions from other cities and towns to yield the conclusion that Reading rates comparatively high in apathy toward governmental process. Section 3 also shows that by the nature of the government structure, i.e., the large number of independent boards and officials, there is little coordinated policy development. Response to problems occurs only at the last possible moment - 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 Introduction The Town Government Study Committee was established by a vote of Town Meeting, March 25, 1972, on Article 6. Quoting from the Town Report: "Article 6. On Motion of Robert S. Cummings, as amended by Robert M. Graham, it was voted that a committee, which shall be known as the Town Government Study Committee be established, said committee to be composed of not less than five nor more than seven citizens to be appointed by the Moderator and Selectmen, none of which citizens shall hold other town office, which committee shall report to a subsequent special or annual meeting with recommendations to improve the efficiency and overall operation of the Town Government following public hearing, said committee to prepare articles, for insertion in the Warrant to effect such recommended changes if any." This action conformed to a policy of periodic review of Reading's govern- ment and its ability to effectively govern the Town in these rapidly changing times. It was preceeded most recently by a similar study conducted in 1964, and before that by a study conducted in 1949. Our study has been enhanced by two other current governmental review activities. One was a review of the By - Laws conducted by the By -Law Revision Committee in 1971, and the other was the operations study conducted by the Finance Committee earlier this year. These activities provided valuable up-to-date information not normally available to Government Study Committees. A further unique feature of our study is that it is the first one in Reading conducted since passage of the Home Rule Amendment to the State Consti- tution. The significance of this can best be illustrated in Section 6 of the Amendment, which reads in part "Any city or town may, by the adoption, amendment or repeal of local ordinance, or by-laws, exercise any power or function, which the General Court has power to confer upon it, which is not inconsistent with the Constitution or laws enacted by the General Court by Section eight, and which is not denied, either expressly or by clear implication, to the city or towns by its charter. This section shall apply to every city and town, whether or not it has adopted a charter pursuant to Section three." This home rule statement grants to municipalities all those powers not specifically denied to them by the State, as opposed to the past philosophy, under which cities and towns could exercise only those powers expressly granted to them by the General Court. This basic reversal in policy has resulted in a great number of changes in local government, not only in Massachusetts but in many other states that have adopted home rule amendments to their constitutions. Under these circumstances we chose a rather broad scope of our study. We took advantage of the data gathered under the Finance Committee's operations - study to minimize our own probing into specific departmental operations, and to concentrate our efforts on broad problem areas and solutions related more to governmental structure and policy formulation. Our approach to conducting this study was based on obtaining three basic sets of information; first, the failings of the present government, if any; second, all the alternatives for correcting APPENDIX B COST AND MANPOWER FACTORS Introduction Improvement in the operation of Town Government should be subjected to a searching review of its cost effectiveness, before it is approved. The material which follows addresses the cost and manpower factors pertaining to the programs's cost effectiveness. Manpower Factors The organization under the proposed Town Administrator will include, in addition to existing functions and personnel, some new and additional full-time career personnel. We estimate that the number, not including the administrator, will be five to six. These people will provide the organization with personnel, planning and clerical services. This number does not include any new regional, state or federally mandated positions, such as full-time building inspector, nor does it include changes in personnel strengths of the existing organizations. Cost Factors The Town should expect, in addition to improvements in the quality of services delivered, tangible off -setting costs from the proposed reorgani It is our conservative belief that a full offset can be realized. Though it is conceivable that added efficiencies can be achieved within the existing organizational framework, we believe that significant improvement is highly unlikely. Business annals provide ample evidence for this belief. Organizational fragmentation and lack of central leadership usually spell high costs. Existing inefficiencies will not be corrected under the present form. They are very likely to be improved under the proposed form. A strong central leadership can provide savings in the following areas: 1. More rapid and effective implementation of those recommendations desired by the administration that are contained in the Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. report of September 1974. 2. Utilities Management - Private sector organizations have achieved overall savings up to and beyond 25% based upon conservation and innovative control strategies. We believe a 10% improvement can easily be achieved with little capital outlay within the Town Administrator functions. Real Property Maintenance - Increasingly valuable existing buil.dinF facilities are not being maintained in a manner calculated to pres< them indefinitely. Replacement costs today are prohibitively high. B-1 -1�- ,fessional maintenance is indicated. Needed maintenance costs uld be calculated on replacement cost now (RCN) and shortened .lding life bases. reased State and Federal Reimbursement - A strong central ;anization with attendent skills in this area will recover re- ursements now acknowledged as being lost. ilities Planning - A co-ordinated approach to facilities planning 1 indicate where space conservation and savings can accrue. and large, facilities within the town are under-utilized. roved Personnel Administration - PMM & Co. reports five areas deficiency. Common job description for like duties in each the divisions will promote job mobility, increase morale, reduce inequities and will, in the aggregate, lower the cost for ivalent services. examination of all existing services - Only a centralized hority can effictively examine all services currently provided determine where changes should be recommended. We believe t such an examination will reveal many services to be of low ority or limited to very few of the citizens. Consideration be given to contracting for such services rather than providing m by gevernment personnel. t of service studies would also reveal true cost to provide services. When these costs surface, critical examination can as to priorities of old costly programs verus proposed new . We believe that no new program should be undertaken in the 'nout first determining where overlapping with old programs D that redundancy can be eliminated. A central authority is -st position to undertake such analyses. B-2 FIGURES Page 1-1 Essence of Recommended Government Organization -5- 3-1 Voting Trend in Reading -9- 3-2 Ratio of Contested Seats to Total Seats in Reading's Town _10 - Meeting Elections 4-1 Proposed Government Structure -15- A-1 Detailed Reference Operational Structure A-2 TABLES 4-1 Town Government Time Table -19- iv I `BIDIU&9 APPENDIX C The Charter and the Charter Commission The concept of the Charter and the Charter Commission is embodied in the Home Rule Amendment (1966) Article 89 of the Massachusetts Constitution, as implemented in Chapter 43 B of the General Laws. The decision to frame a Charter and elect a Charter Commission are accomplished simultaneously. The question, "Shall a Commission be elected to frame a Charter for (name of town)?" is placed on the ballot at the annual election, and if the answer is in the affirmative, those nine -candidates receiving the highest number of votes are declared elected. The Commission is elected to study the structure of the local government, determine the need for change, and draft a Charter. The Commission is an official agency of a non-partisan nature. It has ten months to complete its work. When a Charter has been drafted, it is required of the Selectmen to place it on the ballot of the next annual election. It is then the voters decision to determine if this is the system of government they desire for their community with either a yes or no vote. To place the question of whether to frame (or revise) a Charter on the ballot, procedure. must be followed that are included in the Home Rule Amendment. These are: circulation of a petition signed by 15% of the Town's registered voters; filing of the completed petition with the Board of Registrars, who have ten days to certify the number and validity of signatures and notify the Selectmen of the results. Within thirty days of receipt of the Regista certification, the Board of Selectmen, by order, provides for submitting to the voters of the Town the question of adopting or revising a Charter and f the nomination and election of a Charter Commission. The names of candidate for such Commissions shall be listed alphabetically on the ballot. Each voter may vote for nine candidates. Nomination papers for those choosing to run for the Charter Commission are obtained at the Town Clerk's office. Th population of the city or towns determines the numbers of signatures requir Reading citizens would require fifty signatures. The last day for filing certified nomination papers with the City or Town Clerk is the twenty eight: day preceeding the date for their election. Nomination papers contain into with respect to candidate except that no party or political designation can be used. The Commission is instructed to promptly organize by the election, from among its members, of a chairman, a vice chairman and a clerk, and to file notice of such organization with the Town Clerk. Vacancies are fil by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Commission. The members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed from -tlie Commission's account for expenses lawfully incurred in the performance of their duties. A town with the number of inhabitants of Reading must provide the Commissio ith $2,000. The Commission must hold a public hearing within forty five days after its election. Within eight months after its election, the Commission must prepare a preliminary report for publication and distribution. Within four weeks after such publication the Commission holds one or more public hearin; on the report. Notice of hearings must be published at least ten days befo the hearing. Within ten months of its election the Commission must file it final report including the text of the Charter with the Board of Selectmen. C-1 iii Page 1.0 Introduction and Summary -1- 1.1 Introduction -1- 1.2 Summary -2-- 2.0 Chronology and Effort -6- 3.0 Major Problem Areas -8- 3.1 Apathy -8- 3.2 Lack of Policy Development and Planning -11- 3.3 Lack of Adequate Management Structure -12- 3.4 Conclusions -13- 4.0 Recommended Reforms -14- 4.1 Summary of Proposed Reforms and Recommendations -14- 4.2 Treatment of Apathy -18- 4.3 Improved Policy Development and Planning -21- 4.4 Strengthened Management Structure -23-- 4.5 Additional Recommendations -25- 4.6 Conclusions -27- 5.0 Implementation -29- 5.1 Charter Commission Implementation -30- 5.2 Implementation by Warrant Articles -31- 6.0 Acknowledgements -34- Appendix A Reference Operational Structure A-1 Appendix B Cost and Manpower Factors B-1 I Appendix C The Charter and the Charter Commission C-1 APPENDIX C The Charter and the Charter Commission The concept of the Charter and the Charter Commission is embodied in the Home Rule Amendment (1966) Article 89 of the Massachusetts Constitution, as implemented in Chapter 43 B of the General Laws. The decision to frame a Charter and elect a Charter Commission are accomplished simultaneously. The question, "Shall a Commission be elected to frame a Charter for (name of town)?" is placed on the ballot at the annual election, and if the answer is in the affirmative, those nine -candidates receiving the highest number of votes are declared elected. The Commission is elected to study the structure of the local government, determine the need for change, and draft a Charter. The Commission is an official agency of a non-partisan nature. It has ten months to complete its work. When a Charter has been drafted, it is required of the Selectmen to place it on the ballot of the next annual election. It is then the voters decision to determine if this is the system of government they desire for their community with either a yes or no vote. To place the question of whether to frame (or revise) a Charter on the ballot, procedure. must be followed that are included in the Home Rule Amendment. These are: circulation of a petition signed by 15% of the Town's registered voters; filing of the completed petition with the Board of Registrars, who have ten days to certify the number and validity of signatures and notify the Selectmen of the results. Within thirty days of receipt of the Regista certification, the Board of Selectmen, by order, provides for submitting to the voters of the Town the question of adopting or revising a Charter and f the nomination and election of a Charter Commission. The names of candidate for such Commissions shall be listed alphabetically on the ballot. Each voter may vote for nine candidates. Nomination papers for those choosing to run for the Charter Commission are obtained at the Town Clerk's office. Th population of the city or towns determines the numbers of signatures requir Reading citizens would require fifty signatures. The last day for filing certified nomination papers with the City or Town Clerk is the twenty eight: day preceeding the date for their election. Nomination papers contain into with respect to candidate except that no party or political designation can be used. The Commission is instructed to promptly organize by the election, from among its members, of a chairman, a vice chairman and a clerk, and to file notice of such organization with the Town Clerk. Vacancies are fil by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Commission. The members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed from -tlie Commission's account for expenses lawfully incurred in the performance of their duties. A town with the number of inhabitants of Reading must provide the Commissio ith $2,000. The Commission must hold a public hearing within forty five days after its election. Within eight months after its election, the Commission must prepare a preliminary report for publication and distribution. Within four weeks after such publication the Commission holds one or more public hearin; on the report. Notice of hearings must be published at least ten days befo the hearing. Within ten months of its election the Commission must file it final report including the text of the Charter with the Board of Selectmen. C-1 iii rter is then placed on the ballot of the next annual election. rter Commission ceases to exist thirty days after the election. x C Resources tive Research Council Report, House No. 5302 March, -1971 ty Analysis and Action Series, Boston College, Bureau of Affairs Laws, Chapter 43 B Section 1 - 19 C-2 FOREWORD The Town Government Study Committee is pleased to submit to the Town Meeting this Final Report of its efforts, conclusions and recommendations. The effort began in January of 1973 and is herewith concluded. The members of this Committee consider it an honor and privilege to have been chosen for such a vital role in ## the development of Reading's government. The observations and recommendations Y, contained herein have been agreed to unanimously by the members of the Committee and have been made with only the best interests of the Town in mind. ii STUDY COMMITTEE 1972-1974 Reading, Massachusetts Final Report October 21, 1974 Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche for the Planning Board: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the inventory and analysis of extensive data, interviews with relevant town officials, planning and engineering analysis and review input from the Planning Board, the following recommendations for re -use of the dump site are submitted to the Planning Board: Development Policy The Reading dump site should be considered as a long term resource because of its location and because it is a large open tract of land in single public ownership. 1. It is a key location in terms of access to Route 128 and to a potential transit terminus. There are few such access combinations in the region, a factor which will be increasingly important as the regional development pattern tends to concentrate around transportation nodes. 2. The site is, quite literally, a "gateway" to Reading, and thus its utilization should be seen in terms of high quality multiple -use development. Development and Use Options Sasaki Associates has identified two basic options Reading could choose in promoting re -use of the dump site: 1. Sale of land at the earliest possible time such as piecemeal development of the land for commercial uses that are oriented to Sohn Street. This option would provide an immediate return for Reading but would foreclose the long term maximum development potential and tax revenue yield of the site. We do not believe this alternative, in the long term, is in the best interest of Reading. 2. The recommended option is a long term program for maximum site utilization including a planned and phased program of site preparation, marketing and development geared to overcome the physical constraints of the site and capitalize on future market potentials. This option would be a time -phased process leaving the opportunity open for the interim use of the site for certain public or private revenue producing uses. The long term program should take place in distinct phases, as follows: PHASE I This program calls for the continued use of the dump site for filling purposes until the following factors are clarified: Potential market influences of the construction of a transit terminus at Route 128, which should create land values to support higher intensity development of the site than is possible now. - More accurate identification of site development premiums as obtained through a settlement monitoring program. At such time as the above factors become clearer a decision would be made to either seek interim uses for the site that would permit time for the full market potential of the site to develop, or to immediately begin a program of site preparation, marketing and development of the site (Phase III). PHASE II An interim use program could be established as a second phase at such time as the "holding period" is identified. Interim uses for the site could include a broad range of activities, depending on the time frame that is selected: - Short term uses (up to 10 years) could include continued utilization of the dump site for filling purposes, parking, storage, or recreational field uses which would not require major capital outlays and could be terminated at relatively short notice. - Long term (up to 20 years) interim uses would involve development that can be amortized over this period, would be revenue-producing, but where public Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 ownership could be maintained by lease agreements. For example, automobile dealership park, with four or five dealers, is one such use that could operate on a 20 year lease agreement. An illustrative Auto Dealership Park development program used for evaluation purposes in this study has an estimated total development value of $4.3 million and estimated annual real property tax income of $214,500. PHASE III This final maximum development phase would occur at such time as major development is appropriate and feasible. Illustrative development programs for this phase are shown below: ILLUSTRATIVE BLDG. ESTIMATED ESTIMATED DEVELOPMENT AREA DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REAL PROGRAM (000 VALUE PROPERTY TAX s.f.) ($000) INCOME ($000) A. Hotel (200- 250 rooms 100 Office 200 Retail Commercial 400 $24,117. $1,206. B. Research & Development 750 33,996. 1,700. C. Light Industry 650 15,915 796. Next Steps The Planning Board should initiate the following actions toward furthering the potential for re -use of the dump site: 1. The town should establish a dump site development committee to oversee planning, marketing, legal and administrative requirements necessary to pursue the high quality and maximum development potential of the site. The responsibility could include coordination of interim revenue-producing or public use oppor- tunities. The orgainzation would investigate funding sources and financial mechanisms to pay the front-end costs of preparing the site for major development. Sources for financing the site preparation costs could include combinations of Federal and State funds, tax abatement, general obligation bonds, and long term lease agreements. The intent in establishing this organization is to assure continuity in the management of the development effort while being accountable to the town as a whole. 2. Begin immediately a program of settlement and methane monitoring to identify the extent of settlement occuring at each site area. Careful identification of settlement characteristics of the site will allow more accurate determination of site development penalty costs and therefore development feasibility. 3. Identify and evaluate new sources of and solutions to solid waste disposal which would permit early closing of the damp site and prevent the need for further filling on already closed portions of the site. 4. Establish a program for careful control of filling operations and fill material to obtain maximum compaction and homogeneity of fill material. This is particu- larly important for fill operations over areas that have already been closed and have become stabilized by natural processes. 5. Actively seek UMTA/MBTA joint planning funds for detailed land use planning of this area in conjunction with the proposed Route 128 transit station. A major result of these studies should be a change in zoning from industrial use to a special, planned multi -use district in the Terminal and Dump Site Area. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. Elizabeth W. Klepeis submitted "Supplement to Finance Committee Report FY 1976" (separate sheet), which was accepted as a report of progress. ,AGE /a 7/Z H II SEER5 lrxIE YF2y PAGE 11 SUPPLEMENT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE Py 76 FROM /i✓/,/L{%ALE EU.✓D5 r" RESB/1vG T CERfrfrJ/ Rra/2TENENCE nEue �cvtiie.�� 0 '/"" PAGE TRANSFERS FROM AVAILABLE FUNDS TO FY 75 Federal Revenue Sharing to Fire Department Salaries 360,000 Federal Revenue Sharing to Police Department Salaries 360,Oo0 GAGEIyTFE RFVFNGESHAAiN6T, IRE DEPT 828,197 DEP/ /o cavo PAGE 16 Ge�ivn 7oJHL 09�J a3b Item Number Change to General Government 1/2 $28,995 Total 62,060 10/11/12 26,248 Total 27,823 14/15 26,247 Total 57,217 17/18 37,361 Total 47,651 20/21 22,8o8 Total 27,963 23/24 55,500 25 7,995 Total 63,495 PAGE 17 34 $ 2,36o Total 2,910 38/39 30,578 Total 86,447 General Government Sub Total 449,100 47 7,175 Special Articles Sub Total 204,44o Grand Total General Government 653,540 Protection of Persons & Property 50 $628,345 51 51,300 Total 722,545 54 706,619 Total 734,969 55A Hydrant Rental 26,240 REPORT FY 1976 w Item Number 58/59/60/61/62 63 Total 64 Total 66 Total 69 Total Protection of Persons & Property Sub Total Grand Total - Protection of Persons & Property PAGE 19 General Services r,FFIG/AL CNANCtS Chan3el to 3,370 27,711 1,457 1,862 12,205 17,225 12,568 14,913 1,560,895 1,655,124 89/91 $22,68 aa, 7& i Total 1Q6 ,8i9 /c o, yob 99 16,292 Total 112,126 103 63,400 Total 74,40o 1o6 146,48o Total 217,300 110 20,172 115A Article 68 Cemetery Fence 925 Sub Total 74,697 Grand Total General Services &3/,%d-/ PAGE 20 Education 116 $5,865,253 117 1,031,986 121 49,573 Education Sub Total 7,915,791 Grand Total Education 8,505,713 *General Services Subtotal 55' _ " ss�7, 9-V4 PAGE 20 Item Number Change to Public Works 126/128/130/134/ 136/138/14o/142/ 144/146/148/150/ 152/154/ $753,413 157 172,409 Public Works Sub Total 2,353,252 PAGE 21 Grand Total Public Works $2,723,802 Unclassified 177 $155,247 Total 793,115 PAGE 23 Article Change to 18 Recommend $20, 172 20 a,�. �+REcora rv�ENn h,;'/d93- No Action 27 No Action 28 No Action 32 Recommend $7,175 PAGE 27 60 Recommend 61 Recommend PAGE 28 62 No Action 68 Recommend $925 PAGE 32 82 Recommend i j Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 Iva ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by John W. Price for the Board of Public Works: In accordance with the Special Town Meeting October 24, 1974, the Board of Public Works has made a study of the cost of furnishing paper trash sacks to the citizens of the Town of Reading. Several possibilities were considered, as follows: 1. The Town of Reading would purchase the paper trash sacks, warehouse and deliver them to the door step of every home in the Town. This proposal was extremely expensive and would not provide the right number of sacks to each home owner. 2. The possibility of the Town purchasing the bags on bid and having them delivered to selected markets within the Town was considered but economic savings that could be gained from this idea could not materialize as it was not possible to set up this kind of an arrangement with a supplier and market. 3. A proposal to purchase, store and sell the paper sacks at the Public Works garage was considered. ANALYSIS If we can purchase the sacks in quantity at $.158 a sack which is $.042 below retail pricq!,the expense of handling and storing would be as follows: 5742 Homes collected in Reading x 1.76 Sacks per home per week (Actual count made during the Fall of 1974) 10,106 Sacks collected per week x 52 525,512 Sacks collected per year Store operator attendant 6 days (8 hours per day) $ 10,749.88 A walk behind electric fork-lift truck with an original purchase price of $5,450.00 and amoritizing this at 15% per year including the cost of money 817.50 $67.38 Plus 10% Contingencies 1156.74 Total Cost Per Year $ 12,,724.12 Cost of $ 12,724.12 divided by 525,512 sacks per year = $ .0242 cost per sack $ .0420 Savings with bulk purchase .0242 Cost of operation $ .0178 NET SAVINGS x 1.76 Sacks per week $ .0313 Savings per week x 52 Weeks per year $1.63 Savings per average house per year rnNrT.1LC TAM The Board of Public Works did not feel that a savings of $1.63 per year per average household justified the inconvenience of going to the Public Works Garage to purchase the sacks. Therefore, no Article was pre- pared for this year's Town Warrant. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Joyce K. Miller for the Reading Bicentennial Commission: The Reading Bicentennial Commission has continued to meet as often as needed to develop and implement our program, and we are pleased to report substantial progress. At this time last year I reported that we had applied for matching grants from the state to finance basic repairs to the Parker Tavern and to establish a Heritage Trail by plaguing historic sites and houses known to have been built prior to 1780. Both grants were awarded and these pro- jects should be completed this summer. k i; Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 Our application to the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commis- sion for recognition as a Bicentennial Community was accepted, and the community is entitled to use the official logo and to fly the official flag. On March 20, this recognition was marked by an appropriate cere- mony, which included the first public appearance of the reactivated group of Reading Minutemen. The flag was first raised with the assist- ance of the Reading Minutemen on April 5. It will fly on community - owned buildings or property at appropriate times during the Bicentennial era. Early in our planning, the Bicentennial Commission determined that our responsibility should be two -fold: (1) to sponsor certain projects which were important to the community but were of such scope and complex- ity that they could not be handled without official sanction.and financ- ing; and (2) to encourage, assist and coordinate activities planned and handled by private institutions, organizations or groups of volunteers. The first two projects in the first category were financed through donations and grants from the state. Other projects have been endorsed and are presently being developed. These include: (1) a new, updated edition of theBtor of Readin Government, to be written by the League of Women Voters; 2 a new edition of Colonial Roof Trees --the story of old houses in Reading, written in 1944 by Nelson and Eleanor Bishop, now to be updated by Mrs. Eleanor Bishop; (3) an Oral History project, consisting of recorded interviews of selected older citizens to pre- serve knowledge related to Reading's history; (4) reproduction of early gravestones, through both photography and rubbings, and (5) a photo- graphic record of appropriate activities. In our effort to reconstruct the past, we must not forget our obligation to record events for the future. These projects are all being handled by volunteer labor, but will require financing for materials. Under Article 64, I will present the details and ask your support. The second part of our program is to encourage and coordinate acti- vities to be planned and handled by independent groups. Results have been encouraging. The numerous programs and projects planned are an in- � dication that the citizens of Reading are interested in the Bicentennial and are willing to contribute their time and talent. We look forward to an interesting year, including a full day and evening of activities on Founder's Day, 1976. The National Bicentennial theme is Heritage -Festival and Horizon. The projects outlined fall into the first two categories. As to Hori- zon - or planning for the future - the Commission feels it is not as well equipped to handle such planning as those groups already involved in developing Reading's resources. We have decided to support projects already in the planning stage and offer our assistance where possible. The Board of Public Works anticipates developing a new park during the next year. If their plans materialize, the Commission will assist by applying for matching funds to allow for more rapid implementation of their plans. The Commission is fully aware that none of its plans or accomplish- ments would be possible without the generous assistance of many individ- uals. It would be inpossible to list all of those who have contributed to the overall program. However, I feel a special word of gratitude should be extended to the Reading Chronicle and its editor, Bruce Mor- ang, for their deep committment to the Bicentennial. Mr. Morang's special articles and full coverage of the Bicentennial events have been a major factor in stimulating interest and making Reading citizens aware of their heritage. This local appreciation and entuhsiasm have made the Commission's task a rewarding one. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Edward F. Fuller, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees: The Board of Library Trustees wishes to report to the Town Meeting convened on May 5, 1975, its intention to select an appropriate site and prepare plans and specifications for the construction of a new Pub- lic Library to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting for the year 1976. The needs of the Public Library for substantial additional space have been postponed for a num er of years and have now reached such a criti- cal stage that proper library services can no longer be furnished to the people of Reading from our existing library building. Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 105 The Board of Library Trustees will welcome suggestions from Town Officials, Town Meeting Members and the public at large as to possible available sites for a new building. This report was accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 3. Robert S. Cummings moved that the Selectmen be instructed to move on Thursday, May 8, 1975, to adjourn Town Meeting to Saturday, May 10th. This motion did not pass. 63 voted in the affirmative 64 voted in the negative On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take up Article 82 in advance of its order. ARTICLE 82. On motion of David F. Ham it was voted that the Town amend the official classification plan, schedules and regulations in accord with Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town. (Note: All changes in the structure are effective on July 1, 1975.) CODE: * - Reclassification o - New Position # - New Title for Existing Position SALARY GRADE Labor Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Point Ranae 159 160-174 175-189 190-204 205-219 220-234 235-249 250-264 265-279 280-294 295-309 310-324 325-339 340-354 355-369 370-384 385-399 400-414 415-429 430-444 445-459 460-474 475-489 490-504 505-519 520-534 535-549 0xyrulMI Base Salar $ 83.58 89.43 95.69 102.41 108.27 114.44 120.98 127.90 132.73_ 139.63 151.11 159.76 168.90 178.64 188.76 199.57 210.96 223.05 235.76 249.28 263.51 278.60 294.53 311.37 329.18 348.03 368.60 CLERICAL EMPLOYEES Max. Salar $109.02 116.65 124.80 133.56 141.18 149.27 157.81 166.81 176.35 186.45 197.08 208.34 220.29 233.51 246.21 260.28 276.18 290.93 307.56 325.33 343.70 363.34 384.15 406.11 429.35 453.92 480.79 Hourly Job Title Labor Grade Minimum Maximum Jr. Clerks 2 2.38 3.11 Sr. Clerks B 5 2.89 3.76 Sr. Clerks A 6 3.05 3.98 Secretary 7 3.23 4.21 Hearing Reporter 7 3.23 4.21 Collector's Admin. Asst. 11 4.03 5.25 Assessors' Admin. Asst. 11 4.03 5.25 Asst. Town Clerk 11 4.03 5.25 *#Treasurer's Admin. Asst. 11 4.03 5.25 *#D.P.W. Admin. Secretary 11 4.03 5.25 j,`�, Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 SECTION II - SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES Job Title Labor Grade Supervisor 20 Supt. (Cemetery Dept.) 20 Supt. (Tree & Moth Dept.) 19 SECTION III - PUBLIC LIBRARY Job Title Labor Grade MiZourlmax. #Director 21 23 #Assistant Director 16 Supervisor #Senior Librarian 14 20 #Librarian 12 Sanitary Division Engineer #*Library Associate 10 17 #Library Technician 7 Land Surveyor Library Clerk 4 2.73 3.56 Library Page - Jan. 75 - 2.10 (Min.Wage 11 Administrative Clerk Jan. 76 - 2.20 (Min.Wage) SECTION IV - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING Job Title Labor Grade Superintendent 27 Assistant Superintendent - Operations 23 Assistant Superintendent - Engineering 23 Supervisor 20 Senior Civil Engineer 20 Pumping Station Engineer 19 Sanitary Division Engineer 18 Assistant Civil Engineer 17 Asst. Sanitary Division Engineer 14 Land Surveyor 14 Administrative Assistant 14 Senior Draftsman 11 Transitman 11 Administrative Clerk 9 Junior Draftsman 7 Rodman 6 SECTION V - PUBLIC WORKS, CEMETERY & FORESTRY DEPARTMENTS American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union AFL-CIO. Council #41 and Local #1703 Job Title Master Mechanic Foreman Mechanic Class I Heavy Equipment Operator Asst. Pumping Sta. Eng. Working Foreman Light Med. Equip. Operator Skilled Laborer Mechanic Class II Dump Caretaker Meter Repairman Semi -Skilled Laborer Mechanic Class III Laborer Seasonal Laborer SECTION VI - POLICE DEPARTMENT H Job Title Labor Grade Min.ourl fax. Chief 27 Lieutenant 19 Sergeant 18 1 Police Matron 5 2.89 3.76 J Reading Police Association Patrolman Inspector Patrolman Patrolman (Starting Rate) Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 107 SECTION VII - FIRE DEPARTMENT Job Title Labor Grade Chief 26 Mechanic 14 Int. Assoc. of Fire Fighters AF of L - CIO Loc. #1640 Deputy Chief Captain Lieutenant Private New Private (Starting Rate) SECTION VIII - FIRE ALARM DEPARTMENT Hourly Min. Max. Lineman 11 3.78 4.92 Groundman 7 3.02 3.94 SECTION IX - GENERAL GOVERNMENT *Town Accountant *Executive Secretary Superintendent of Buildings Janitor A Appraiser Veteran's Agent Health Agent Dog Officer Accountant Conservation Assistant Building Inspector oPersonnel Admin. Asst. 20 25 15 8 24 12 18 9 12 12 18 11 BENEFIT CHANGES And that Holidays Policy be amended by inserting between "New Year's Day and Washington's Birthday" the words "Martin Luther King Day." And that Vacation Policy be amended by adding, for employees not represented by collective bargaining agreements, to the allowable two weeks and three days vacation two additional days after 5 years of ser- vice, adding to allowable three weeks and three days vacation, two addi- tional days after ten years of service. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 4 on the table. ARTICLE 5. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Dollars ($3,620.00) for the purchase of uniforms for the members of the Fire Department. ARTICLE 6. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) for the purchase of protective clothing for the members of the Auxiliary Fire Service. ARTICLE 7. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate Three Thousand Four Hun- dred Dollars ($3,400.00) for the purchase and installation of a radio base station and related equipment under Civil Defense to be used by the Fire Department. ARTICLE 8. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate Five Thousand One Hun- dred and Nine Dollars ($5,109.00) for the purchase of a Jaws of Life power rescue tool under Civil Defense to be used by the Fire Department. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) for said purpose to see if the Town will vote to in- demnify certain police officers and firemen for expense actually incurred as a result of injury in the line of duty, under the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 100, as amended. 1(!h Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 ARTICLE 10. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town vote to accept the recommendation of the Law Committee and vote to indemnify under the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 41, Sec- tion 100E, Town Police Officer John Murphy for damages caused by him to another while in the performance of his official duties as a police officer in the Town and to transfer and appropriate Six Hundred Dol- lars ($600.00) from the Law Department Claims Damage Fund for this pur- pose. ARTICLE 11. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($8,600.00) for the purchase of uniforms for the members of the Police Department. ARTICLE 12. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) for the purchase of inter -city, two- way radio and related equipment for the use of the Police Department. ARTICLE 13. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town authorize the Selectmen to sell or exchange or otherwise dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, three cars in the use of the Police Department, and that the sum of Twelve Thou- sand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated together with the receipts, if any, from the sale, exchange or disposal of the three vehicles for the purposes of purchasing three new cars for the Police Department. ARTICLE 14. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate Four Thousand Seven Hun- dred Dollars ($4,700.00) for the purpose of repairing the roof of the Police Station. ARTICLE 15. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate One Thousand Eight Hun- dred Dollars ($1,800.00) for the purpose of repairing the plumbing system in the Police Station. ARTICLE 16. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Three Thou- sand Dollars ($3,000.00) to be used as matching funds for a Federal Grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration for the pur- pose of purchasing communications equipment. ARTICLE 17. Shall the Town require the following: Any construction or repair work, whether it be done by a public or private agency that requires construction equipment to be parked or in motion on any primary public way, as to block any traveled lane or lanes of such public way, or impede the flow of traffic, or create a possible hazard to the general public shall require a minimum of one detail police officer. Such primary public ways shall be set forth by the Chief of Police or his designee. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 18. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thou- sand One Hundred and Seventy Two Dollars ($20,172.00) for the purpose of coordinating or conducting programs dealing with problems of the aging and promote facilities, education, welfare and recreation of the aging. ARTICLE 19. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($4,250.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the observance of the Christmas Season, 1975, by the decoration and illumination of public buildings and public streets, and the decoration of Christmas trees upon munici- pal land. i i i Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975 jlj`;� ARTICLE 20. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of placing additional names of Veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam on the large Veterans Memorial that stands opposite the Town Hall, or take any other action with. respect thereto. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the subject of this Article be referred to a Study Committee, five to be appointed by the Moderator, said Committee shall report to the Subsequent Town Meeting, Fall 1975. ARTICLE 21. On motion of Robert S. Cummings, as amended by Paul I. Metcalf, it was voted that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Select- men to make application from time to time, for a grant or grants as such grant or grants may become available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the so-called Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and to develop or cause to be developed under its direction programs, goals and objectives for submission to the Department of Hous- ing and Urban Development in conjunction with such application or applica- tions, and to expend any funds for planning received without further ap- propriation. ARTICLE 22. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted unanimously that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Twelve and 92/100 Dollars ($312.92) to the South Middlesex Regis- try of Deeds for recording fees rendered to the Town. ARTICLE 23. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Six Thousand One Hundred and Fifteen and 35/100 Dollars ($6,115.35) for the purpose of _ meeting the cost of providing one additional holiday for certain Town em- ployees during calendar year 1975, as a result of the observance of Mar- tin Luther King Day, as follows: Police Salaries $2,838.00 Fire Salaries 2,934.83 P. W. Water Salaries 122.33 School Salaries 220.19 On motion of Carl H. Amon, Sr., it was voted to take up Article 25 in advance of its order. ARTICLE 25. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Dol- lars ($2,000.00) to be expended by the Selectmen for the purpose of de- veloping a systems design for the computerization of Town Departments. ARTICLE 24. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) for the purpose of entering into a three year lease or lease with option to purchase; to purchase accounting equipment and related supplies and said sum to be expended by a committee of three con- _ sisting of the Town Treasurer, Town Accountant and one member of the Finance Committee. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Thursday, May 8, 1975, at 8:00 P. M., to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M. 188 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: f� - Lawrence Drew Town Clerk _!`) ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 6, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. $ 000 $ 000 The invocation was given by Rev. Robert Walter of the Church of the Nazarene, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. Sub Total as Estimated by State $2,9911375 ARTICLE 2. The following report was given by Elizabeth W. Klepeis for the Finance Committee: Farm Animal Excise Tax 100 100 Licenses Finance Committee 9,800 FY 1975 Estimates FY 76 STATE AND COUNTY ASSESSMENTS Special Assessments (Betterments) 142,700 Recreation Areas $ 95,700 $ 100,185 Audit of Municipal Accounts 6,000 374 State Exam of Retirement System 3,700 297 Metropolitan Sewerage 116,400 128;260 Metropolitan Area Planning Council 1,100 3,367* MBTA 271,900 305,622 M. V. Excise Billing Cost 3,000 2,303 Ipswich River Watershed District 600 2,983 Special Ed. Chapter 766 49,000 28,013 County Tax 479,300 502,047 County TB Hospital 37,500 000 Metropolitan Air Pollution Control 1,700 2,024 Offsets to Estimated Receipts 80,000 124,567 OVERLAY 23,500 37,000 Reserve for Abatements 320.000 325,000 TOTAL $1,465,900 $1,524,347 i ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS State Corporation Tax $ 000 $ 000 State Inc.Tax-Ch 69, 2,019,293 1,716,003 State Inc.Tax-N.E.Regional School Dist. 211,361 87,089 State Inc.Tax-Other than Revolving 760.721 670.029 Sub Total as Estimated by State $2,9911375 $2,473,121 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 620,900 550,000 Farm Animal Excise Tax 100 100 Licenses 9,800 9,800 Fines 7,900 7,900 Special Assessments (Betterments) 142,700 149,800 General Government 16,500 16,500 Protection of Persons & Property 9,000 9,000 Health & Sanitation 7,500 7,500 Highways 5,900 5,900 Schools 26,600 26,600 Libraries 14,500 14,500 Recreation 8,560 8,560 Public Service Enterprises: Water 535,000 561,700 Light - in lieu of taxes 272,500 472,000 Light - additional release 167,495 Sewer 140,900 147,900 Cemeteries (other than Trust Funds & Lot Sales) 16,300 16,300 Interest on Taxes & Assessments 23,500 37,000 Interest on Investments 77,900 77,900 State Overestimates 22.000 80.262 TOTAL $4,949,435 $4,839,838 *Prior year under -estimate of $1,305. This report was accepted as a report of progress. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 111 On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 26. Jean M. MacKilligan moved that the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of replacing fireproof stage draperies in the auditorium of the Community Center. This motion did not pass. ARTICLE 27. Installation of a series of traffic lights along Main Street from South Street to the border of North Reading set at an appro- priate speed so as to control traffic but not to impede it. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article be in- definitely postponed. ARTICLE 28. Installation of traffic lights at the corner of Main Street and Summer Avenue. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article be in- definitely postponed. ARTICLE 29. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Arti- cle 29 on the table. ARTICLE 30. Move that Article XXII (22) of the Town By -Laws be amended by deleting the last line of Section I that now reads ''The owner or keeper of any such dog that is not so restrained shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each offence" and inserting the following: "The owner or keeper of any such dog that is not so restrained shall be punishable by a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for the first offence and Twenty Five Dollars ($25.00) for each subsequent offence, and that Section 4 be amended by deleting the words "said charges to be $5.00 for apprehension of such dog", by inserting the words, sa-d charges to be $10.00 for the first apprehension and $25.00 for each subsequent appre- hension of such dog. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article be in- definitely postponed. ARTICLE 31. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for Aid to Agriculture and work of the Middlesex County Extension Service and the 4-H Club under General Laws Chapter 12B, Sections 40 and 45 as amended, such sum to be expended under the direc- tion of a Director appointed by the Selectmen, such Director to cooper- ate with the Middlesex County Trustees. ARTICLE 32. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy the sum of Seven Thousand One Hundred Sev- enty Five Dollars ($7,175.00) and that such sums be appropriated to the Charter Commission Account for purposes of drafting a Charter and for other expenses relating thereto. ARTICLE 33. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the Town amend the Town By -Laws, Article 1, Section 3, by substituting a new Section 3 as follows: "The polls for the Annual Town Meeting shall be opened at 7:00 A. M. and remain open until 8:00 P. M." ARTICLE 34. To see what sum the town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy or transfer from available funds, or otherWse, and appropri- t.. for the purpose of maintaining and resurfacing streets constructed under Section 34, Chapter 90 of the General Laws, together with such sums as may be provided by the State and County, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. 11,' Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 ARTICLE 35. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the sum of Thirty Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-nine Dollars ($30,329.00) as may be provided by the Commonwealth under Chapter 765, Section 4, Acts of 1972 and appropriated for the purpose of improving and con- structing Chapter 90 Highways as requested by the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 36. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of maintaining, improving and constructing facilities in the Parks and Playgrounds, such sum to be expended by -and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 37. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the SUM of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be appropriated for the construction of sanitary sewers, sewerage work and other sewer facil- ities, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works, and to meet said appropriation, that the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be raised by borrowing, and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be and he hereby is, authorized to borrow said Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) payable in accordance with Section 7 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that each issue shall be paid in not more than thirty (30) years from its date or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine, said bonds or notes shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Selectmen, and that the Board of Pub- lic works be, and it hereby is, authorized to proceed with the construc- tion of said sewers, sewerage work and other sewer facilities and enter into all contracts and agreements with respect thereto and to do all other acts and things necessary or proper for carrying out the provis- ions of this vote. 164 voted in the affirmative 1 voted in the negative ARTICLE 38. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as BARBARA LANE and adopt the recommendations con- tained therein and that the sum of Five Hundred and Six Dollars ($506.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and con- struction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF BARBARA LANE The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience of necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of bet- terments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having com- plied with with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all per- sons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Southerly off Colonial (Public) Drive, sub- stantially as and in the location of a private way known as BARBARA LANE. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the South- erly Sideline of Colonial Drive; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 680.59 feet, a distance of 96.78 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 39.27 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 20 36' 10" E., a distance of 320.00 feet to a Granite Stone Bo nd, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 36.14 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 229.35 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 11,3 Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 36.14 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 20 36' 10" W., a distance of 327.12 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 35.78 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Barbara Lane", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authoaizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for accept- ance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named BARBARA LANE and that the sum of Five Hundred and Six Dollars ($506.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 39. On motion of Alexander T. Botka it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as MAPLE RIDGE ROAD and adopt the recommendations con- tained therein, and that the sum of Four Hundred and Forty Dollars ($440.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and con- struction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF MAPLE RIDGE ROAD The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, hav- ing complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the ow- ners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Easterly off Pine Ridge Road (Public) substantially as and in the location of a private way known as MAPLE RIDGE;ROAD. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the Easterly Sideline of Pine Ridge Road; Thence S 80 01' 30" W., a distance of 79.40 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 31.42 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 810 58' 30" E., a distance of 180.00 feet to a point; Thence S. 810 19' 00" E., a distance of 227.97 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the Southwesterly terminus of the previously ac- E cepted portion of Maple Ridge Road; Thence N 40 04' 00" E., a distance of 49.72 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the Northwesterly terminus of the previously ac- cepted portion of Maple Ridge Road; Thence N 830 45' 30" W., a distance of 224.67 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 810 58' 30" W., a distance of 180.31 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 30.81 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. I'' Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 The above described lines being more fully described on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan - Maple Ridge Road", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. We determine that the damages will be sustained by any person or persons to their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named MAPLE RIDGE ROAD and that the sum of Four Hun- dred and Forty Dollars ($440.00) be raised and appropriated for Construc- tion of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 40. On motion of Alexander T. Botka it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as BELMONT. STREET EXTENSION and adopt the recommenda- tions contained therein, and that the sum of Two Thousand and Ten Dollars ($2,010.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF BELMONT STREET The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Easterly off Pearl Street (Public), substan- tially as and in the location of a private way known as BELMONT STREET. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the Easterly Sideline of Pearl Street; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 668.16 feet, a distance of 86.09 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 12.30 feet, a distance of 18.56 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 890 10' 25" E., a distance of 285.63 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 145.93 feet, a distance of 37.99 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 60 25' 14" E., a distance of 128.44 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 198.78 feet, a distance of 130.41 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 310 10' 06" W., a distance of 69.48 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; J Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 325.00 feet, a distance of 179.08 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 620 44' 19" W., a distance of 375.32 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 300.00 feet, a distance of 172.42 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 840 19'54" W., a distance of 229.22 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said paint being a point of curvature; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 115 Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 421.37 feet, a distance of 139.73 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 503.54 feet, a distance of 121.54 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 276.60 feet, a distance of 65.61 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 750 54' 46" W., a distance of 57.18 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 95.93 feet, a distance of 24.97 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 890 10' 25" W., a distance of 267.44 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence N 750 54' 46" E., a distance of 57.18 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point having a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 226.60 feet, a distance of 53.75 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 453.54 feet, a distance of 109.47 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 471.37 feet, a distance of 156.31 feet to a point; Thence N 840 19' 54" E., a distance of 229.22 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 250.00 feet, a distance of 143.68 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 620 44' 19" E., a distance of 375.32 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 275.00 feet, a distance of 151.53 feet, to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 31010' 06" E., a distance of 69.48 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 148.78 feet, a distance of 97.61 feet to a point; Thence S 60 25' 14" W., a distance of 148.39 feet to a point; Thence N 710 56' 45" E., a distance of 6.52 feet to a point, said point being the Northwesterly terminus of the previously accepted por- tion of Belmont Street; Thence N 750 07- 14" E., a distance of 42.89 feet to a point, said point being the Northeasterly terminus of the previously accepted portion of Belmont Street; Thence N 730 58' 20" E., a distance of 5.44 feet to a point; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 35.23 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan - Belmont Street", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this desciption. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a pub- lic town way and named BELMONT STREET and that the sum of Two Thousand and Ten Dollars ($2,010.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka Ili) Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 ARTICLE 41. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as HEMLOCK ROAD and adopt the recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dol- lars ($750.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF HEMLOCK ROAD The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Southerly off Maple Ridge Road, sub- stantially as and in the location of a private way known as HEMLOCK ROAD. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the South- erly Sideline of Maple Ridge Road; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 39.56 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 80 01- 30" W., a distance of 353.79 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 400.00 feet, a distance of 106.14 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 70 10' 40" E., a distance of 254.00 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 21.03 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 94.41feet to a point; Thence S 70 10' 40" E., a distance of 6.56 feet to a point-, Thence S 610 33' 20" W., a distance of 19.44 feet to a point, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 240.00 feet, a distance of 33.42 feet to a point; Thence N 70 10' 40" W., a distance of 23.52 feet to a point, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 94.41 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 21.03 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 70 10' 40" W., a distance of 254.00 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 450.00 feet, a distance of 119.40 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 80 O1' 30" E., a distance of 354.65 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 39.27 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 810 58' 30" E., a distance of 25.00 feet to a point; Thence S 810 19' 00" E., a distance of 75.29 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Hemlock Road", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this des- cription. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 117 We determine that no damages will be sustained by anv person or per- sons in their property by readon of the taking to be made for this im- provement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named HEMLOCK ROAD and that the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($750.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 42. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as FOX RUN LANE and adopt the recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred and Ten Dollars ($1,310.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and con- struction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF FOX RUN LANE The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Northerly off Franklin Street (Public), sub- stantially as and in the location of a private way known as FOR RUN LANE. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the Northerly Sideline of Franklin Street; Thence by a curted line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 39.27 feet to a Granite Stone Bound Thence N 450 52' 14" W., a distance of 149.00 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point veing a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 200.00 feet, a distance of 142.37 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 50 05' 06" W., a distance of 119.48 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 21.03 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 94.41 feet to a point; Thence N 50 05' 06" W., a distance of 25.62 feet to a point; Thence S 790 56' 51" E., a distance of 51.80 feet to a point; Thence S 50 05' 06" E., a distance of 12.09 feet to a point, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 94.41 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 21.03 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 50 05' 06" E., a distance of 119.48 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; )gyp Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 150.00 feet, a distance of 106.78 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 450 52' 14" W., a distance of 149.85 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 38.05 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 694.05 feet, a distance of 33.80 feet to a point• Thence S 440 07' 46" W., a distance of 79.27 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Fox Run Lane", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this des- cription. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named FOX RUN LANE and that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Ten Dollars ($1,310.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 43. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a i Private Way known as COUNTRYSIDE LANE and adopt the recommendations J! contained therein, and that the sum of Eight Hundred and Eighty-five Dollars ($8x5.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF COUNTRYSIDE LANE The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assess- ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter des- cribed, having complied with all requirements of law relating to no- tice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running Easterly off West Street (Public) substantially as and in the location of a pri- vate way known as COUNTRYSIDE LANE. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as followsL Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the East- erly Sideline of West Street• Thence by a curved line to the right having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 32.23 feet to a Granite Stone Bound• Thence S 720 06' 15" E., a distance of 252.40 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left having a radius of 550.00 feet, a distance of 72.51 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 790 39' 30" E., a distance of 63.12 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 790 39' 39" E., a distance of 99.20 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; said point being a point of curvature; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 119 Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 50.00 feet, a distance of 52.36 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 790 39' 30" W., a distance of 99.20 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 790 39' 30" W., a distance of 63.12 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right having a radius of 500.00 feet, a distance of 65.92 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 720 06' 15" W., a distance of 203.05 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence ;by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 25.00 feet, a distance of 52.66 feet to a Granite Stone Boons; Thence S 480 35' 00" W., a distance of 43.91 feet to a point, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 292.63 feet, a distance of 73.34 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Countryside Lane", dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or per- sons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this im- provement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and bet- terments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for accept- ance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named COUNTRYSIDE LANE and that the sum of Eight Hundred Eighty- five Dollars ($885.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 44. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as C STREET and adopt the recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construc- tion of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF C STREET The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assess- ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a Town way for the use of the Town running Southwesterly off Libby Avenue, a pub- lic road, substantially as and in the location of a private way known as C Street. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the South- westerly Sideline of Libby Avenue: Thence S 170 56' 10" E., a distance of 40.00 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 720 03' 50" W., a distance of 213.50 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 30 54' 00" W., a distance of 41.23 feet to a Granite Stone Bound) Thence N 720 03' 50" E., a distance of 203.50 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. 1 :�() Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 The above described lines being more fully described on a plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan - C Street, dated January, 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by me, we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public Town way and named C STREET and that the sum of Seven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 45. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as BOYCE STREET and adopt the recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($19,400.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construction of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF BOYCE STREET The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a Town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assess- ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a Town way - for the use of the Town running Easterly off Summer Avenue, a public road, substantially as and in the location of a private way known as BOYCE STREET. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a Granite Stone Bound, said point being on the Easterly Sideline of Summer Avenue; Thence S 150 45' 00" E., a distance of 85.27 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 30.25 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 700 55' 00" E., a distance of 429.24 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 31.41 feet to a Granite Stone Bound; Thence N 190 06' 30" W., a distance of 85.10 feet,to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 31.42 feet tp a Granite Stone Bound; Thence S 700 55' 00" W., a distance of 424.29 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being a point of curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 32.58 feet to a Granite Stone Bound, said point being the point of beginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Boyce Street", dated January 1975, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 6, 1975 i2.1 Wei -determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done un- der the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us, we hereby report to the Town for acceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public Town way and named BOYCE STREET and that the sum of Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($19,400.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. John H. Russell, Chairman Paul C. Dustin, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood John W. Price Alexander T. Botka ARTICLE 46. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the sum of Forty-five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($45,600.00) be transferred from Chapter 1140 Road Construction Account received or to be received from the State, and that the sum of Fifty-four Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($54,400.00) be raised from the tax levy, and such sums aggre- gating One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be appropriated for improving and reconstructing Town Public Ways, such sum to:he spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works, and in such lo- cations as the Board of Public Works may deem advisable and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer amounts necessary to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 47. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Ten Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($110,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase by the Board of Public Works of the following: One (1) New Truck G.V.W. 35,000 lbs. One (1) New Pickup Truck One (1) New Backhoe Loader One (1) New Reel Mower One (1) New Reel Mower One (1) New Arc Welder One (1) New Loader One (1) New Truck and Aerial Bucket and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is authorized and empowered to sell, or transfer, or exchange upon such terms and condi- tions as it may determine, One (1) 1965 White Truck One (1) 1969 Chevrolet Pickup Truck One (1) 1968 Dynahoe One (1) 1961 National Reel Mower One (1) 1960 National Reel Mower One (1) 1969 Bobcat Loader One (1) 1968 Dodge Truck and Aerial Bucket and the proceeds from such sales, exchanges or transfers are to be appro- priated in addition to aforementioned One Hundred Ten Thousand Five Hun- dred Dollars ($110,500.00) for the purchase of the aforesaid equipment such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Pub- lic Works. ARTICLE 48. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of Twenty-four Thousand Dollars ($24,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a New High Velocity a Sewer Cleaning Machine and Truck, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 49. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for expenses of the Board of Public Works, including consulting engineering services, surveys, preliminary plans, designs, final plans and estimates for a Master Drainage Plan of the Town, such funds to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 ARTICLE 50. Paul C. Dustin moved that the sum of Fortv Thousand collars ($40,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of providing a Leaf Collection System, including Salaries -_ and wages and the purchase of Collection Equipment and supplies, such funds to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. This motion did not pass. ARTICLE 51. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the Board of Public Works be authorized, empowered and instructed to file, in the name of, and in behalf of the Town, an application in form and manner required by the United States Government in conformity with laws, and take such other actions as may be required to obtain a grant # to be made by the United States of America to the Town of Reading, Mass- J achusetts, to be used to defray part of the cost of contract drawings, specifications for and the construction of a sewer interceptor and col- lection system for the Town and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is, authorized to expend any funds received or to be re- ceived by the Town as a result of any such application. ARTICLE 52. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00) be appropriated for the construction of a major interceptor sewer in the Northwesterly arc of the Town and in the City of Woburn, Massachusetts, to the M. D. C. Trunk Sewer, and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Sel- ectmen, be authorized to borrow said sum of Nine Hundred Thousand Dol- lars ($900,000.00), payable in accordance with Chapter 44 of the Gen- eral Laws so that each issue shall be paid in not more than thirty (30) years from its date or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Sel- ectmen may determine, said bonds or notes shall be signed by the Trea- surer and countersigned by the Selectmen, and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is, authorized to expend said Nine Hundred Thou- sand Dollars ($900,000.00), together with any sums received or to be received by the Town from the State or Federal Government for the pur- pose, and the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is, authorized to proceed with the construction of said interceptor sewer and enter into all contracts and agreements with respect thereto and to do all other acts or things necessary or proper for carrying out the provi- sions of this vote. J 163 voted in the affirmative 1 voted in the negative ARTICLE S3. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Public Works to enter into agreements with the City of Woburn, the State or Federal government or agencies, departments or commissions thereof for the construction and maintenance of an interceptor sewer in Woburn and Reading by the Town of Reading and see what sum the Town will raise from the tax levy, transfer from available funds or borrow under pertinent provisions of General or Special Law and appropriate for meeting the costs of construction of said interceptor sewer, or take any other ac- tion with respect thereto. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 54. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen, upon the written request of the Board of Public Works, to petition the General Court under Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution to permit the Town of Reading to take any act and do all things necessary to construct an interceptor sewer in the City of Woburn and Town of Reading to connect into the M. D. C. Trunk Sewer, to apply for grants and to enter into i agreements with.tj�e City of Woburn, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts J or the United Stl es Government or agencies, commissions or departments thereof with respect to construction and maintenance of such interceptor sewer and to authorize the Town to borrow to finance said construction and to authorize the Town to acquire land or interest in land by purchase, lease or otherwise, including the power by the Board of Selctmen of the Town of Reading upon written request bf the Board of Public Works to take by eminent domain under Chapter 79 of the General Laws, and hold any lands, rights-of-way or other easements, public or private, within the City of Woburn necessary for accomplishing the purpose of construc- tion and maintenance of such interceptor sewer. 163 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 I2.1 ARTICLE 55. On motion of Frank E. Graupner it was voted that the subject matter of Article 55 be referred to the Municipal Light Board, and that said Board be, and hereby is authorized to install such ad- ditional street lights as in its judgement are required, and to make such changes in the size, type and location of existing street lights, as it may deem advisable, the expense of same to be paid from the in- come of the plant. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr., it was voted to take Arti- cle 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche, Chair- man of the Planning Board: Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing was held at the Community Center on Tuesday, April 15, 1975, at 8:45 P. M., regarding an amendment to the Zoning By -Laws and Zoning Map as to change the zoning of the parcels in question consisting of approx- imately 6.960 acres from Residence Al to Residence B1 District. The hearing was long. We heard from both proposnents and opponents. The hearing was attended by 149 persons. A petition from Area Residents concerned about traffic problems on Temple Street was received by the Planning Board. This project as proposed by the Committee for Housing for the Elderly of the First Congregational Church of Reading is for the enhancement of the general well being of some of our residents, namely the Elderly. Further this particular site is situated between two (2) apartment com- plexes, one being the Town's Housing for the Elderly at Tannerville. The Planning Board is sware of the potentially significant increases of traffic on Temple Street and strongly recommends that alternatives be explored to determine the location for the major entrance and exit. Like- wise, the Planning Board recognizes the necessity to property design and grade the site to provide for adequate drainage. It is important to note, also, that this area is included in the pro- posed WetlatdB Protection Act. However, we do not consider that this pro- ject will be an asset to the Town and recommends acceptance of the pro- posed changes by Town Meeting. Curt E. Nitzsche, Chairman Melvin E. Jones Maureen T. O'Brien Joseph C. Sturm It was voted that this report be accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Frank A. Smith, Jr., Reading School Commitee: MINORITY REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF TOWN OWNED LAND On March 3, 1975, the School Committee voted that the land adjacent to the Parker Junior High School was no longer needed for School purposes. This vote was by a count of 4 to 1. At that time I voted against dis- posal of this land, not because I am opposed to housing for the elderly, not because I am opposed to housing for those of moderate income, but because I am opposed to the disposal of this land, which can and should still be used for municipal purposes. In many ways the land surrounding Parker Junior High can be compared with the Birch Meadow area; of course, on a smaller scale. When the Birch Meadow area was acquired by the Town there was no Reading Memorial High School here, there was no Coolidge Junior High; there was no Birch Meadow School; but these have come as the needs arose, as have a Munici- pal swimming pool, football, baseball, softball and field hockey fields, as well as tennis courts and an ice skating area. Tonight we hear of further development to be made for Pop Warner football. What if this land had been disposed of by a previous Town Meeting? I,,) Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 8, 1975 The recreational areas of the Town are becoming sevekely strained. It is difficult to find adequate space for the ever increasing demands being made. Chapter 622 of the General Laws, which requires that we not discriminate for reason of age, has focused attention on the need to provide additional athletic and recreational opportunities for women. Now, when the need is acute, is no time to abandon property, which can be developed to answer these needs; property which was wisely acquired by those Town Officials who came before us. At the March 3rd meeting of the School Committee, I announced to the sponsors that I would file a Minority Reprot at Town Meeting in op- position to disposal of this land, unless there were definite assur- ances that easements would be granted for expansion of recreational ac- tivities from the Parker Junior High playgrounds into the area in ques- tion. The proponents have tried very hard to accomodate that request. I am sure that they would like to do so, and will, in fact, do every- thing in their power to provide for such expansion. It is my under- standing, however, that due to water conditions, an absolute assurance cannot be given. Therefore, I file this Minority Report in opposition to disposal of land, which was wisely acquired, and should, just as wisely, be held for Town purposes. Frank A. Smith, Jr. Member, Reading School Committee It was voted that this report be accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Monday, May 12, 1975, at 8:00 P. M., to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:55 P. M. 178 Town Meeting Members were present. J A true copy. Attest: c' Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School May 12, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev;,Richard M. Woodman of the Unitarian Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ARTICLE 56. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr. it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to grant to a non-profit corporation to be established by the members of the Committee for Housing for the Elderly, First Congregational Church of Reading upon such terms and conditions as they shall deter- mine the following town -owned parcels of land more particularly des- cribed and shown on the Assessors' Maps as follows: Plat 62, Lot 1, Lot 6, Lot 6A, Lot 7, Lot 7A, Lot 8, Lot 9, Lot 10 and Lot 11. 107 voted in the affirmative 51 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) SPECIAL TOWN MEETING -Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 12, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 9:35 P. M. ARTICLE 1. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town transfer Twenty-six Thousand Dollars ($26,000.00) from the Overlay Surplus Reserve Fund and appropriate said sum to Veterans' Aid. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town transfer Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) from the Over- lay Surplus Reserve Fund and appropriate said sum to the Group Insur- ance Appropriation. yyy ARTICLE 3. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town transfer Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00) from the Public Works 1974/1975 Snow and Ice Appropriation anu appropriate said sum to the Public Works Department Expense Appropriation. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town transfer One Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($1,700.00) from Surplus Revenue and appropriate for the purchase and installation of automatic garage doors at the Police Station. ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will approve recommendations of the School Construction Committee or Law Committee regarding the pending litigation between the School Construction Committee and Frasca Con- struction Corporation, will raise by borrowing, or from the Tax Levy, ¢¢transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for re- pairs to the Reading Memorial High School and take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 6. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the Tax Levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purchase of a car for the Building Inspector's Department, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that meeting stand ad- journed, sine die, at 9:50 P. M. 170 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 12, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 9:50 P. M., after the adjournment of the Special Town Meeting held on this evening. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. On request of Carl H. Amon, Jr., a report was given by Robert S. Cummings as to the status of negotiations presently underway with the various Town Departments. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 4 from the table. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 12, 1975 127 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the care and lighting of Old South Clock. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-two Dollars ($450,782.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for General Government, as follows, each item being considered as a separate appro- priation: SELECTMEN Salaries $ 28,995.00 Expense (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $250.) and Miscellaneous (including Special Commit- tees, Town Report, Telephone, Mem- orial Observance, Duplicating Costs) 32,815.00 TOWN ACCOUNTANT Town Accountant's Salaries 26,248.00 Expense (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $250.) 1,575.00 TREASURER Treasurer's Salaries 26,247.00 Expense (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $250.) 30,970.00 TAX COLLECTOR (all fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer) Salaries _ 37,361.00 Expense .10,290.00 TOWN CLERK (all fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer) Salaries 24,740.00 Expense (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $250.) 5,155.00 ASSESSORS Salaries 55,500.00 Expense (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $250.) 7,995.00 BOARD OF REGISTRARS Salary 960.00 4., Expense 200.00 ELECTION & REGISTRATION Expense 25,800.00 BOARD OF APPEALS Salary & Expense 1,800.00 PLANNING BOARD Expense 750.00 Consultant _ .. _.SFINARCE.,C0MMETTEE Clerk 1,200.00 Expense 324.00 PERSONNEL BOARD Salary 2,360.00 Expense 550.00' LAW DEPARTMENT Town Counsel's Professional Services 40,000.00 Town Counsel's Expenses 2,500.00 BUILDING MAINTENANCE Salaries 30,578.00 Expense 55,869.00 j Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 12, 1975 On motion of John H. Crooker it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Thursday, May 15, 1975, at 8:00 P. M., to meet in Mem- orial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M. 170 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 15, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. YY�� followedl�y �iel5Qe�ge g�fvp1b ,aA d Mtb glemnag f the Old South Churchi On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 4 on the table. The Town Clerk read the Notice and his Return on posting Notice of Proposed Reconsideration of Article 56, in accordance with Article II, Section 4, of the General By -Laws of the Town. It was moved by Gail F. Wood that the following vote under Arti- cle 56, passed at the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting held on May 12, 1975, be reconsidered: ARTICLE 56. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr., it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to grant to a non-profit corporation to be established by the members of the Committee for Housing for the Elderly, First Congregational Church of Reading upon such terms and conditions as they shall deter- mine the following town -owned parcels of land more particularly des- cribed and shown on the Assessors' Maps as follows: Plat 62, Lot 1, Lot 6, Lot 6A, Lot 7 Lot 7A, Lot 8, Lot 9, Lot 10 and Lot 11. 107 voted in the affirmative 51 voted in the negative This motion to reconsider Article 56 failed to pass. 62 voted in the affirmative 84 voted in the negative On motion of Ara A. Karakashian it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. Ara A. Karakashian presented the following report as a point of personal privilege: During the past two years I have devoted a and deal of time read- ing regulations designed to implement educational legislation enacted by the Great and General Court of this Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I have not only read and agonized over some of these proposed regu- lations, but I have also attended hearings and written letters pro testing their adoption by the State Board of Education. I have found that testifying at hearings and written letters by educatmrs act- ing as individuals or as representatives of state-wide organizations have had very little effect in changing proposed regulations before they have taken on the force of law. Instead, it is my impression that public hearings have been held only to satisfy the letter of the law requiring the holding of public hearings. Somehow, despite at- tempts to make it appear as if the opinions, criticisms and recommend- ations of all interested parties or organizations are being solicited with serious intent, the final version of the proposed regulations al- ways seem to carry a strong bias in favor of a relatively small group Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 l 1_)9 of vested -interest insiders. It appears as if the staff lawyers at the State Department of Education favor the extreme Civil Liberties posture, and in their zeal to correct inequities that have existed primarily in large urban areas, they choose to assume all communities guilty of unfair educational practices. The regulations which they promulgate are so profuse, so prescriptive and so restricted that they create a bureaucratic nightmare in our schools. In most cases the regulations go far beyond the original intent of the laws as enacted by the legislature and well beyond the bounds of common sense and good reason. They overturn the critical balance that should be maintained between the rights of individuals and the common good or the general welfare. In the past, it has been accepted tacitly by most of us that it was central to the educational process that the individual learn to adapt to Dis environment. Now the regulations are forcing that segment of society which is the public school system to adapt itself•to every individual pupil. I propose that this is impossible unless the entire delivery system of public services is overhauled and reorganized at both the state and local levels. In short, if the local school com- mittee is to be held responsible for all aspects of the individual pupil's growth, physical, emotional, social, vocational as well as in- tellectual, then the school committee should have direct control or ac- cess into those other community agencies or institutions which provide social services. I have no argument with the basic intent of such laws as Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972, Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, or the provisions primarily of Chapters 71 and 71B as they pertain to student records. The main intent of Chapter 766 is laudable - it seeks to improve the identification of pupils who have real learning handicaps that prevent or hinder them in making normal progress in the regular classroom and to prescribe reasonable educational programs for them. It seeks to in- tegrate handicapped studeAs into the mainstream of school life in their home communities by providing whatever support services they may need. The basic intent of Chapter 622 is equally laudable in that it seeks to provide equal access into all public education without regard to race, color, sex, religion, etc. The basic intent of the regulation pertain- ing to student records is to protect the privacy of the individual by preventing unnecessary and/or careless collection and dissemination of data that might not serve the best interests of the student. I will not try to show how some of the regulations that have been written to implement these laws put school personnel, and indirectly the taxpayers, who pay the bills in a position of great disadvantage. At the present time, a school age child (age 3 up to birthday 22) may be referred for a CORE evaluation under Chapter 766 by almost any- one. No rationale is required for a referral. School officials may try to dissuade parents from asking for a CORE evaluation for a child wtose school record does not suggest any special need, but the school must initiate the CORE evalyation process within five days if the par- ent insists. As a matter of fact, although the school might recommend only an intermediate (or less extensive) evaluation, the parent is actually urged to ask for a full CORE evaluation in one of the stand- ard forms which must be sent to him. Further, an intermediate evalu- ation cannot take place unless the parent waives the right to a full CORE evaluation in writing. Full CORE evaluations require a team of at least five professional educators making visits, observations, as- sessments and meeting together to pool their findings to see if the pupil being evaluated does indeed have a special need. If the pupil is found to have a special need, the CORE evaluation team must then write an educational plan for the pupil according to a rigid jet of directions, which must be presented to the parents within 10 days. Essentially the parents have these options when they are presented such an educational diagnosis and prescription. 1. They may accept the findings of the CET and the proposed educational plan. They can choose to postpone their decision until the comple- tion of an independent evaluation which the town must pay for if it is done as a facility approved by the Regional Re- view Board. They may reject the findings or the plan proposed by the CET and indicate whether they want an independent evalu- ation or appeal to the Regional Branch Office of the Bureau of Guild Advocacy, either with or without a request for a hearing. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 I£ the parents are still unhappy with the results of a hearing at the Regional Bureau of Child Advocacy, and the decision of the hearing officer, they may then appeal to the State Advisory Commission, and if they are dissatisfied with the decision of the S.A.C. they can then carry their appeal to the Superior Court. The school and the taxpayers who support the school do not have the same rights of appeal. Although the original intent of Chapter 766 is to integrate pupils in need of special education into the regular classroom as much as pos- sible, we have encountered several cases where parents have demanded CORE evaluations for the sole purpose of having the town pay the tui- tion and related costs for the placement of their children into day schools or residential school programs. In such cases, persons with vested interests in the school(s) where placements were sought were called upon to testify as "expert" consultants and were allowed to do SO. There is no question in my mind that Chapter 766 has contributed a great deal in providing needed support services to the children of Read- ing with specual needs. From my vantage point, I think the professional staff specialists and regular classroom teachers, guidance counselors and administrators have responded superbly to the demands placed on them. I think Dr. Alexanian, our director of pupil personnel services and administrator of special education, has done an outstanding job in a very difficult and demanding position. I think the expenditures that have been made this year and that are requested for next year are rea- sonable and justified in the light of services we should be providing our normal as well as special students. But I look at the future with considerable trepidation. I question the degree to which we can pro- vide one-to-one instruction in our schools. I am most uncomfortable when I think of the possibility that the normal educational process would grind to a halt under the weight of unreasonable demands for CORE evaluations and successive appeals and continual reviews. I be- come most unhappy at the thought that appeal decisions could force the town to pay thousands of dollars for the placement of students in day or residential programs for questionable reasons. I hope that the workload of CORE evaluations will be reduced to a level that will not effect the total educational program adversely. In this last aspeaf the bureaucracy of 766 demanded twenty to seventy percent of most elem- entary school principals' time during the better part of this year. One junior high school principal estimates that 20% of his time and 60% of his guidance counselor's time has been devoted to Chapter 766 work. At the high school, the three assistant principals, the six guidance counselors, our generic teacher and school nurse have been involved in processing nearly 60 referrals for CORE evaluations. Teachers and stu- dents needing to converse with these people during and after school have often found them unavailable because of CORE evaluation meetings, etc. Turning to Chapter 622 I will confine my comments to the adverse effect that the final version of the regulations will have on girls' athletics. Under these regulations, the school may offer two separate teams in every interscholastic sport, one for boys and one for girls. It is not likely that the town will support separate football teams, separate field hockey teams, separate wrestling teams, etc. The only other alternative is that there be a single team with equal access for both sexes. If this were to happen and boys opfecl to go out for tradi-- tional girls' sports, then it would not be long before few if any girls would be competing in interscholastic athletics. The regulations with regard to student records require notification of all students, 14 years of age on, and their parents of the new regu- lations, notification of students and parents annually when and how tests and other data -gathering devices will be used in the schools dur- 1 ing a given year, the keeping of logs recording every instance of where and what part of the student's record has been disseminated to a third party, etc., etc. In the case of a pupil transferring, withdrawing or graduating from a school, he and his parents would have to be notified in writing that his temporary record will be destroyed in five years. The regulations specify what can or cannot be recorded on the student's permanent record card or transcript which must be kept for 60 years. This will necessitate changing the format of cards and gummed labels that we use presently. Students and parents have the right not only to inspect the school records but request additions or deletions to these records with appeal procedures from principal to superintendent Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 131 to school committee. I could go on and on. I mentioned the bureaucratic nightmare earlier. Unless the unreasonable regulations are changed, either one of two things will happen. Administrators and their staffs will be so tied up in red tape that services to students will be cur- tailed or additional clerks, etc. will have to be hired to handle the extra volume of paper work. How can the unreasonable regulations be changed? I wish there were a quick and easy answer, but I don't think there is. The whole purpose of my talk has been to alert you to the conditions that surround us. I think that it will take a large, well -organized lobby of informed cit- �+ izens to make its influence felt, first on the State Board of Education, �t and that failing, on the legislature itself. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of Charles W. Chisholm it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Charles W. Chisholm it was voted that the Town adopt the following Resolution: RESOLUTION That the Town Meeting of Reading commend President Ford's swift and decisive action and that of the United States Armed Forces in their heroic efforts in the recovery of the crew and the United States merchant ship, Mayaguez, from the island of Kon Tang, captives of an act of pir- acy on the high seas. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. On motion of Robert S. Summings it was voted to take Article 4 from the table. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that -( the sum of One Hunted Fifty-three Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-three Dol- lars ($153,693.00) be transferred from Federal Revenue Sharing Fund (P.L. 92-512) and that the sum of Five Hundred Eighteen Thousand Ninety- eight Dollars ($518,098.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Six Hundred Seventy-one Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety -ones. Dollars ($671,791.00),�be appropriated for Police Department Salaries, and the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be transferred from Federal Revenue Sharing Fund (P.L. 92-512) and that the sum of Six Hundred Six Thousand Six Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($606;619.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Seven Hundred Six Thousand Six Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($706,619.00) be appropriated for Fire Depart- ment Salaries, and the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Three Dol- lars ($219,843.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Pro- tection of Persons and Property as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 Police Department Maintenance (including out -o£ -state travel not to exceed $400.) $ 51,300.00 Police Department Traffic Control -Schools 42,900.00 - Fire Department Maintenance (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $200.) 28,350.00 Hydrant Rental 26,240.00 Fire Alarm Salaries 7,650.00 Fire Alarm Expense 4,200.00 Building Inspector's Department Salaries 24,341.00 Expense 3,370.00 Sealer of Weights & Measures Salary 1,457.00 Sealer of Weights & Measures Expense 405.00 Dog Officer Salary 12,205.00 Civil Defense Salary & Expense 3,580.00 Conservation Commission Salaries 11,500.00 Expense 2,345.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Twenty Dollars ($5,020.00) be transferred from Enforcement of Leash Law and be appropriated for the Dog Offi- cer's Expenses, and the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, auth- orized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($100,900.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Health and Sanitation as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Board of Health Salaries $ 22,761.00 Board of Health Expense 900.00 Animal Inspector Salary & Expense 550.00 Care of Contagious Diseases 5,000.00 Fluoridation 3,700.00 Mosquito Control 7,300.00 Child Welfare 2,270.00 East Middlesex Mental Health Assoc. 30,000.00 735 Program 28,419.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred Fifteen and 75/100 Dollars ($6,515.7). be transferred from Veterans' Benefits Aid 1974 Appropriation and that the sum of One Hundred Five Thousand Six Hundred Ten and 25/100 Dollars ($105,610.25) be raised from the tax levy and that such sums totalling One Hundred Twelve Thousand One Hundred Twenty-six Dollars ($112,126.00) be appropriated for Veterans' Benefits as follows, each item being con- sidered a separate appropriation; and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such trans- fer to carry out the purpose of this vote. Administrative Salaries $ 16,292.00 Administrative Expense 1,654.00 Veterans' Aid 94.180.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00),be transferred from Cemetery Reserve and the sum of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars,($35,000.00) be transferred from the Cemetery Bequest Fund and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make transfeTfio%BaRarry out the purpose of this vote, and that the sum of Thirty--Five^Four Hundred Dollars ($35,400.00) be raised from the tax levy, and that suchspms totalling Seventy Four Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($74,400.00 ae appropriated for the Cemetery Department, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 63,400.00 Maintenance 11,000.00 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 1;1;5 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Frank E. Graupner it was voted that there be included in the tax levy for electricity used for street lights, the sum of Seventy Three Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Dollars ($73.,520.00) and that said sum and the income from sales of electricity to private consumers and for electricity supplied to municipal buildings and for municipal power, and from sales of applsannes and jobbing during the current fiscal year to be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant and that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be appropriated from the said receipts of the Department for the sale, installation and service of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels, as provided in Section 34 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, said appropriation to be expended by the Manager of the Municipal Lighting Plant under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board for the expense of the plant, including payment of Bonds and Notes, the sale, installa- tion and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels as defined in Chapter 164, Section 57 of the General Laws, or any amend- ments thereof or additions thereto and that if said sum of Seventy Three Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Dollars ($73,520.00) and said income shall exceed said expense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the amount of 50% of the net profit from operations as of December 31, of the pre- ceding year as defined in Chapter 164 of the General Laws, such amount shall be paid, 50% in June and 50% in December of the current year, into the Town Treasury and the balance if any shall be transferred to the Construction Fund of said Plant and appropriated and used for such additions thereto as may thereafter be authorized by the Municipal -,Light Department. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edward F. Fuller, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Three and 06/100 Dollars ($195,673.06)''oe raised from the tax levy and that the sum of Sixteen Thousand Nine Hundred Four and 26/100 Dollars ($16,904.26) be transferred from the State Aid for Libraries Reserved, and that the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Two and 68/100 Dollars ($4,722.68) be transferred from the County Dog License Account, and that the Town Ac- countant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfers to carry out the purpose of this vote, and that said sums totalling Two Hundred Seventeen Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($217,300.00),,be appropriated for library purposes (including travel out- side the State not to exceed $300.) as follows: Salaries $ 146,480.00 Maintenance 70,820.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Duane B. Heineck it was voted that the sum of Fifty Two Thousand One Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars ($52,198.00) be` - raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Recreation Committee, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 33,758.00 Expense 18,440.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Louis H. Martinage it was voted that the sum of Seven Million Forty-one Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($7,041,435.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the School Department, and that the expenditure of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) received or to be received under Public Law #874, and that the sum of One Hundred Forty-three Thousand Sixteen Dollars ($143,016.00) received or to be received from Chapter 506 METCO Funds, so-called, and that the sum of One Hundred Seventeen Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-two Dollars ($117,262.00) received from Chapter 71B to be applied to Special Needs Programs and that the said sums totalling Seven Million Three Hun- dred Forty-one Thousand Seven Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($7,341,713.00) be authorized and appropriated as follows: General Salaries $5,928,253.00 Less: Chapter 506 Funds 63,000.00 $5,865,253.00 General Expense (including travel out -of -State not to exceed $4,305.) 1,112,002.00 Less: Public Law 874 Funds $40,000.00 Chapter 506 Funds 80,016.00 120,016.00 991,986.00 Special Needs Expense 218,511.00 Less: Chapter 71B Special Needs Funds 117,262.00 101,249.00 Cafeteria 49,573.00 Adult Education 12,295.00 Athletics 21 079.00 7,041.435.00 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 15, 1975 On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Monday, May 19, 1975, 2t 8100 P. M., to meet in the Reading Memorial High Schooi Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:58 P. M. 166 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: - -- Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 19, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Robert D. Samuelson of the First Congregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 4. On motion of John B. Pacino it was voted that the sum 9f Two Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Three Hundred Ninety Five Dollars ✓($228,395.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Town's share of the costs of Operation and Maintenance of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School ARTICLE 4. On motion of John H. Russell, as amended by Elizabeth W. Klepeis, it was voted that the sum of One Million Two Hundred Seventy- Two- Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty -One Dollars ($1,272,981.00) -be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as fol- lows, each item to be considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries for the Public Works Department $ 753,413.00 Expenses (including out-of-state travel not to exceed $200.) 367,696.00 Snow & Ice Removal Salaries & Expense 151,872.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the sum of Forty Six Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($46,200.00)"be tra erred from�Water Available Surplus and that the sum of Four'Flundred!" T4ou- sand Nine Hundred Twenty -Four Dollars ($410,924.00) be raised from the tax levy and that such sums totalling, Four Hundred Fifty Seven Thou- sand One Hundred Twenty Four Dollars ($457,124.00),be appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries for Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Water Works $ 172,409.00 Expenses for Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Water Works,(including travel outside the State, not to ex- ceed $200.) 284,715.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be raided from the tax levy and appro- priated for the operation of Drinking Fountains of the Town. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, the sum of One Million Five Hundred Fifty Eight Ninety Seven Dollars ($1,558,797.00) be raised appropriated for maturing debt and interest as considered as a separate appropriation: School Maturing Debt School Interest Water Maturing Debt Water Interest Sewer Maturing Debt Sewer Interest Incinerator Maturing Debt Incinerator Interest May 19, 1975 i 35 Jr., it was voted that Thousand Seven Hundred from the tax levy and follows, each item being $575,000.00 360.650.00 100,000.00 28,208.00 205,000.00 148,189.00 75,000.00 66.750.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars _ ($14,500.00) from the tax levy for the purchase of an ambulance, said ` funds to be expended by the Board of Selectmen in conjunction and sub- ject to any grants or funds, which may be received from the State or Federal government. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Forty Two Thousand Dollars ($142,000.00) be raised from the tax levy, and that the sum of Forty One Thousand Dol- lars ($41,000.00) -be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account, and that the sum of Ten Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($10,500.00) be transferred from the Public Works Water Construction and Maintenance Appropriation Account, and that the sum of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) -be transferred from the Sewer Maintenance and Operation Expense Appropriation and that such sums totalling Two Hundred Two Thousand Dollars ($202,000.00) Ke appro- priated for all insurance, except Group Insurance for Town employees, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Eleven Thousand Sixty One and 57/100 Dollars ($?11,061.57) be raised from the tax levy, and that the sum of Eighteen Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and 31/100 Dollars ($18,620.31) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account, and that the sum of Twenty Seven Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Two Dollars ($27,222.00) be transferred from the Group Insurance Dividend Account, and that said sums totalling Two Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Three and 88/100 Dollars ($256,903.88) be appropriated for group life in, surance, group accidental death and dismemberment, insurance for Town em- ployees, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 32B of the General Laws, and that said sum be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Eight and 77/100 Dollars ($175,758.77) be raised from the tax levy, and that the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($254,500.00)•be transferred from Available Free Cash, and that the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty Four and 36/100 Dollars ($55,934.36),be transferred from the Nunicipal Light Department Oper- ating and Maintenance Account, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote, and that said sums totalling Four Hundred Eighty Six Thousand One Hundred Ninety Three and 13/100 Dollars ($486,193.13) be appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System. ARTICLE 4. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Sixty Five Thousand Six Hundred Nine Dollars ($65,609.00) - be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for non-contributory pensions and annuities and that the Town Accountant be authorized to expend such sums for that purpose. L;11 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 19, 1975 ARTICLE 58. To see if the Town of Reading will vote to amend the Zoning Map of the Town of Reading by changing the area hereinafter described from Residence A-1 to a new district to be known as Resi- dence A-lA. A certain Parcel of Land being bounded and described as follows: Northerly: on five (5) courses by land now or formerly of Read- ing Greenhouses, Inc., Three Hundred and 25/100 (300.25) feet, Four and 14/100 (4.14) feet, One Hundred Eleven and 89/100 (111.89) feet, Forty-eight and 67/100 (48.67) feet, and One Hundred Seven and 89/100 (107.89) feet, Northeasterly: On three (3) courses by land now or formerly of Richard and Walter Gray, Trustees, Pine Avenue, William S. Geary et ux and Helga Fransen et ux, and Park Avenue, Two Hundred Four and 18/100 (204.18) feet, Two Hundred Thirty-two and 98/100 (232.98) feet, and Seven and 14/100 (7/14) feet, Northeasterly: Again by land now or formerly of Dana Realty Inc. on two (2) courses, Two Hundred Fifty-six (256) feet and One Hundred Fifty-two (152) feet, Southerly: By Percy Avenue Thirty-two (32) feet, Easterly: By Percy Avenue Forty (40) feet, Southerly: By land now or formerly of Robie on two (2) courses, One Hundred Fifty-three and 37/100 (153.37) feet and Ninety-seven and 57/100 (97.57) feet, Easterly: By land of said Robie on three (3) courses, Twenty-three and 36/100 (23.36) feet, Seventeen and 64/100 (17.64) feet, and Forty- three and 42/100 (43.42) feet, Northerly: By land of said Robie One Hundred Twenty-six and 80/100 (126.80) f9et, Easterly: By land of said Robie and land of Thomas P. Delaney, Twelve (12) feet, and Sixty-five and 27/100 (65.27) feet respectively, Southerly: By Pinevale Avenue on three (3) courses, Thirty-one and 02/100 (31.02) feet, Eighty-six and 41/100 (86.41) feet and Seventy- three and 38/100 (73.38) feet, Easterly: By land now or formerly of James A. Russell et ux on four (4) courses, Twenty-nine and 05/100 129x05) feet, One Hundred Nineteen and 11/100 (119.11) feet, Thirty-nine and 70/100 (39.70) feet, and One Hundred Eleven and 69/100 (111.69) feet, Southerly: By land of said Russell on two (2) course, One Hundred Sixty-two and 49/100 (162.49) feet and Sixty-seven and 73/100 (67.73) feet, Easterly: By land of said Russell One Hundred Eighty-seven and 27/100 (187.27) feet, Southerly: By land now or formerly of Olive K. Miksen, Two Hundred Five and 40/100 (205.40) feet, Southwesterly: By land now or formerly of Charles M. Byron and Edward G. Hout et ux, Phyllis Morand and Carl E. Anderson et ux on three (3) courses, Two Hundred Seven and 53/100 (207.53) feet, Sev--- enty-nine and 52/100 (79.52) feet, and Two Hundred Thirty-nine and 86/100 (239.86) feet, Northwesterly: By land now or formerly of said Anderson on five (5) courses, Nineteen and 59/100 (19.59) feet, One Hundred Sixty-five and 04/100 (165.04) feet, One Hundred Eighty and 14/100 (180.14) feet, _Two Hundred Sixty-one and 02/100 (261.02) feet, and Eighty-five and 91/100 (85.91) feet, All measurements being more or less, said parcel containing 14.5 acres more or less. Meaning and intending to include Lots 37, 37B, 39, 39A and part of Lot 57, as shown on Town of Reading Assessors Plat No. 35, all of said parcels being owned by Dana Realty, Inc. Further to amend the Definitions by including a new Paragraph 3B. „A lot in a Residence A-lA District is a parcel of land occupied or de- signed to be occupied by the principal building consisting of four (4) single-family attached units with a single or separate owner of each unit and common ownership of land areas, and the accessory buildings incidental to their use or operation including the open spaces as are designed and arranged to be used in connection with such units." Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 19, 1975 And further to amend the Definitions by including a new Paragraph 7B. "A Townhouse of four (4) units per building is a detached dwelling ar- ranged, intended or designed to be occupied by four (4) individual fam- ilies." And further to amend Part I, Section I, by inserting a new Para- graph 1B. "Residence A-lA Districts (one Townhouse building of four (4) units per building, 40,000 square feet lot areas." And further to amend Part I, Section II, the map to include the new zone area A-lA. And further to amend Part I, Section IV, by inserting a new Para- graph 3. "All Townhouses of four (4) single-family units per building in Residence A-lA District shall meet the following requirements: a. Minimum lot size - 40,000 square feet; b. Maximum lot coverage of building 25 percent; C. Gross floor area shall not exceed 40 percent of the lot; d. Minimum yard requirements - no building shall extend nearer to any street line, lot line or zoning district line than thirty (30) feet; e. Parking areas: 1. Shall be provided in Section XX• 2. All parking shall be located in front of the principal building for each lot; 3. No driveways or private roadways shall extend to rear of principal building. f. Minimum landscaped area 25 percent of gross lot area• g. Maximum height of building - 35 feet; h. Remainder of lot to be conserved as open space. And further to amend Part I, Section V, by inserting a new Para- graph 1B. "In any Residence A-lA District the erection or use of any �i principal building except as a four (4) Single-family unit attached Townhouse is specifically prohibited." And further to amend Part I, Section VI by inserting a new Para- graph 1B. " In Residence A-lA Districts no principal building shall be erected unless there be provided for each such building a lot area of not less than 40,000 square feet." And further to amend Part I, Section VI, Paragraph 4A to include new "Residence A-lA District." And further to amend Part I, Section VII, Paragraph 2, to include new "Residence A-lA District." And further to amend Part I, Section VIII, Paragraph 1, by includ- ing the new "Residence A-lA District." On motion of William C. Bliss it was voted that this Article be in- definitely postponed. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche, Chair- man of the Planning Board: Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing was held at the Community Center on Tuesday, April 15, 1975, at 7:50 P. M., regarding a change in the Zoning By -Laws which would clarify what constitutes a two-family dwelling. This Article would allow a fam- ily to furnish room and board to not more than three unrelated persons, who are not merely transient or casual customers. The Building In- spector thereby would have a clearer distinction between a two-family dwelling and a boarding house. The hearing was short. No objections were voiced. The hearing was attended by four (4) persons. i:. Adjourned Annuar Town Meeting May 19, 1975 Upon deliberation, the Planning Board was unable to envision con- ditions under which this provisiop might be detrimental to the welfare, health and convenience of the public. Accordingly, the Planning Board urges Town Meeting's acceptance of the proposed changes. Curt E. Nitzsche, Chairman - sure i T.JFHien osep C, Sturm This report was accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to lay Article 2o the table. i ARTICLE 59. On motion of Richard J. Ogden, as amended by William a H. Diamond, it was voted that Article 59 be amended�.by inserting after 1.f the word "rooms" in the fifth line thereof the following words: "located within and forming an integral part of said dwelling" so that the amended zoning by-law (being paragraph 2.b, of Section XVI of Part II) shall read as follows: b. The renting, by a family living in a dwellimg in a residence district, of rooms located within and forming an integral part of said dwelling, and the furnishing of table board to persons who are not merely casual or transient sustomers, provided that not more than three such persons fhall be permitted per family. 139 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative ARTICLE 60. Richard J. Ogden moved that the Town vote to amend the Building Code Fee Schedule to provide that the fee for any inspections required under Section 111.43 of the _State Building Code, as amended - shall be Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00). This motion did not pass. ARTICLE 61. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -- Laws by adding the following sentence at the end of paragraph number 2 of Section XXI of Part IV thereof: The fee for such permit shall be $25.00, or take any other action with respect thereto. i On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche, Chair- man of the Planning Board: Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing was held at the Community Center on Tuesday, April 15, 1975, at 8:10 P. M., regarding a change in the Zoning By -Laws, which would provide the Building Inspector with a more definitive avenue of legal action to be taken against violators of Section XXI of the Zoning By -Laws. The hearing was short. No objections were voiced. The meeting was attended by four (4) persons. Upon deliberation, the Planning Board was unable to envision condi- tions under which the provisions of this revision might be detrimental to the welfare, health and convenience of the public. Accordingly, the Planning Board urges Town Meeting's acceptance of the proposed change. Curt E. Nitzsche, Chairman Melvin E. Jones Maureen T. O'Brien Joseph C. Sturm This report was accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 19, 1975 139 ARTICLE 62. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town vote to amend the Zoning By -Laws by deleting Paragraph 5 of Section XXI of Part IV and substitute therefor the following: 5. Whoever violates any provision of this By -Law shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Fifty Dollars (550.00) for each offense and each day that such a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Upon any well founded information that this By -Law is being violated, or upon his own initiative, the Building Inspector with the approval of the Selectmen shall take immediate steps to enforce this By -Law, including making complaint in the Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex held at Woburn. 139 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative ARTICLE 63. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a gift of land or to purchase land on Washington Street adjac- ent to Parker Tavern and to transfer care, custody and control of said land to the Board of Public Works and raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise„ and appropri- ate a sum of money for such purchase and for the construction of a park- ing lot thereon or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 64. On motion of Maurice C. Proctor, Jr., it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Nine Thou- sand Two Hundred Dollars ($9,200.00)�for the financing of projects spon- sored by the Reading Bicentennial Commission. - ARTICLE 65. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the Town accept Section 73A of Chapter 272 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. ARTICLE 66. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) and transfer Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) from the Cemetery Reserve Fund and appropriate the said sums totalling Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) for the continued development of Forest Glen and Charles Street Cemeteries, including site clearing, the construction of drainage, the extension of road systems, the water systems and the preparation of Lots for sale. ARTICLE 67. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($1,600,00) for'salaries, maintenance and care of Sol- dier's Graves. , ARTICLE 68. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Nine Hundred Twenty Five Dollars ($925.00) -for the purpose of erecting additional fencing at and on Forest Glen Cemetery along the rear Lot lines of No. 46 and 52 Putnam Road. ARTICLE 69. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the rev- enue of the financial year beginning July 1, 1975, in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one (1) year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one (1) year in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17. ARTICLE 70. 04 tion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town raisefrom thelevy One Hundred Seventeen Thousand Two Hundred Dol- lars ($117,200.00) and transfer Fifty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($57,800.00) from Overlay Surplus Reserve and appropriate the sum of One Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000.00) to the Reserve Fund for expenditures under the direction of the Finance Committee. ARTICLE 71. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Twelve Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($12,800.00) -for the purpose of operating a youth program and/or Reading Youth Center at the Reading Community Center to be expended under the direction of the Recreation Committee. lid Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 19, 1975 ARTICLE 72. To set -'what -sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the Board of Assessors to publish for general circula- tion its valuation lists for real estate for the 1976 fiscal year as voted at Town Meeting on March 20, 1972, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Robert I. Nordstrand it was voted that this Article be indefinitely postponed. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Thursday, May 22, 1975, at 8:30 P. M., to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:58 P. M. 160 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: --- Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 22, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:30 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Paul E. Barnes of the First Con- gregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 73. To see if the Town will petition the Great and General Court to pass a special act to allow the Town to amend its by-laws in the following manner, or what the Town will do in relation thereto. Add to Article I, Town Meeting, Section 1, the following sentence after the last sentence in the existing section: The order in which the names of candidates for a designated office shall appear on the ballot for the Annual Town Election shall be deter- mined by lot. Add to existing Article VIII, Town Clerk, the following new section: Section 7. Three days after the final date and time for the filing of nomination papers for the Annual Town Election, the Town Clerk shall conduct a public lottery for the purpose of determining the order in which names of candidates shall appear on the ballot. The time and place for the lottery shall be published in a newspaper of General cir- culation in the Town at least fourteen days prior to the final date for the filing of nomination papers. The results of the Ballot Lottery shall be posted and published no later than ten days after the actual lottery. On motion of . Frank A. Smith, Jr., it was voted that the sub- ject matter of this Article be referred to the Charter Commission. ARTICLE 74. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) for the Conservation Fund for Conservation purposes under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C, as amended. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. �I Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 141 ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Curt E. Nitzsche, Chair- man of the Planning Board: Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing was held at the Community Center on Tuesday, April 22, 1975, at 7:30 P. M., regarding a change in the Zoning By -Laws with the addi- tion of the "Wet Lands Protection District". The hearing was long and orderly. Few objections were voiced. The hearing was attended by 155 persons. Approximately 150 were in favor and 5 were non -committal. Upon deliberation the Planning Board has found that this Article further complements the Town's Flood Plain Zoning By -Laws by addressing the wet lands and streams that are presently excluded. Therefore, the Planning Board recommends Town Meeting's acceptance of Article 80. Curt E. Nit scCh¢ Chairman Melvin E. Jones Maureen T. �'Bri,n Joseph C. Sturm This report was accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted to take up Article 80 in advance of its order. ARTICLE 80. James R. Boucher moved that the Town vote to amend the Zoning By -Laws and Zoning Map by making the following changes: 1. By adding the following new definitions to the section entitled Definitions: "25. A "Wetlands 'Protection District" is a district which includes those lands which are outside the Flood Plain District but are subject to seasonal or periodic wetness." "26. A "watershed" is an area drained by a stream or stream system. 2. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section 1 thereof, a new class of district as follows: "11. "Wetlands Protection District (New Dwellings prohibited, ex- cept receipt of a special permit)." 3. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section II thereof, a new paragraph as follows: "Where boundaries of the Wetlands Protection District are indicated, the lines shall be contours based on the mean sea level datum; setbacks from the banks of all wate-courses (natural or man-made) not otherwise within contour lines; and setbacks from streets and other features all as defined on the map entitled, "Wetlands Protection District, Reading, Massachusetts, 1972." 4. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section III thereof, a new subsection after 3E as follows: "3F. In Wetlands Protection Districts all uses other than as des- cribed in Section XXVI are prohibited, except when a special permit is granted by the Board of Appeals. Uses allowed under such permit shall �n be only as described in Section XXVI, Paragraph 5." fat 5. By adding to Part VI: Special Districts, a new Section XXVI: Wetlands Protection District as follows: SECTION XXVI - Wetlands Protection District 1. Purposes - In addition to the purpose in Section I of this By - Law, the purposes of this district are: a. To provide that lands in the Town of Reading subjectto seasonal or periodic flooding as described hereinafter shall not be used for res- idence or other purposes in a manner as to endanger the health or safety of the occupants thereof or the publkc generally or to burden the pub- lic with costs resulting from the unwise individual choices of land use. ? Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 b. To protect, preserve and maintain the water table and water recharge areas within the Town so as to preserve present and potential water supplies for the public health and safety of the Town and the Town and the Metropolitan area. C. To assure the continuation of the natural flow pattern of the water courses within Reading and to preserve natural flood water stor- age areas so as to protect persons and property against the hazards of flood inundation. 2. Location - The locations and boundaries of the Wetlands Pro- tection District are shown on a map entitled "Wetlands Protection Dis- trict, Reading, Mass., 1975." (consisting of 39 sheets) which is hereby made a part of this By -Law and which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Said District shall include all those areas identified on said map including those areas specifically described as follows: a. All that land bordering any natural water body that lies within a horizontal distance of twenty-five (25) feet from the mean high water line except as otherwise defined on the Wetlands Protection District Map. The mean high water line is defined (1) at a waterbody as the elevation where vegetation changes from predominantly terrestial and (2) along a brook, river or stream the elevation on the bank of a channel at which the annual high water has left a definite mark; b. All waterbodies encircled by boundary lines of the District; c. All that land along certain unnamed brooks that lies within a horizontal distance of twenty-five (25) feet from the mean high water line along each bank thereof except as otherwise defined on the Wetlands Protection District Map; and d. All those wetlands which may be described as upland swamps or marshes which lie at the source of the brooks or the tributaries or which lie in surface depressions with or without drainage outlets, as defined on the Wetlands Protection District Map. 3. Use Regulations - The Wetlands Protection District shall be considered as overlying other districts established by this by-law. Any uses permitted in the portion of the districts so overlaid shall be permitted except that: a. No new building or structure shall be erected or constructed; b. No existing building or structure shall be moved, altered or enlarged so as to increase its ground coverage by more than a total of twenty (20) percent; and C. No dumping or filling or relocation of earth materials shall be permitted. In addition, the following uses shall be permitted in the District subject specifically to paragraphs 3. a., b, and c. above, except that paragraph c, will not apply to paragraphs (7) and (8) below provided that prior approval of the Conservation Commission under the provisions of General Laws, Ch. 131, Section 40, has been given: (1) Uses directly related to the conservation of water, plants and wildlife. (2) Outdoor recreation activities and facilities, including unpaved play areas, nature study, boating, fishing and hunting where otherwise legally permitted; (3) Wildlife management areas; landings, foot, bicycle and/or horse paths and bridges, provided such uses do not affect the natural flow pattern of any water course. (4) Grazing and farming, including truck gardening and harvesting of crops; (5) Forestry and nurseries; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 ,�i E6) Small non-residential structures of less than 100 square feet of floor area used in connection with recreation or the growing, har- vesting, storage or sale of crops raised on the premises; (7) Creation of ponds with a total water surface area at normal el- evation not in excess of 40,000 square feet; and (8) Removal of silt and other accumulated debris from a watercourse which tends to interfere with the natural flow patterns of the water- course. �^ 4. Lot Area Allowance - If any portion of a lot in a single-family residence district is overlaid by the Wetlands Protection District, said portion may be used to meet the area regulations of that district pro- vided that no building or structure may be erected on the portion remain- ing outside the Wetlands Protection District unless that has a minimum area of 20,000 square feet. A lot with a dwelling existing thereon at the time of the adoption of this by-law shall not be deemed a non -con- forming lot because any portion of it lies within the Wetlands Protec- tion District, providing that the dwelling itself does not lie within said District. If any portion of a lot in a commercial or industrial district is overlaid by the Wetlands Protection District, any use of the lot shall require a special permit from the Board of Appeals. 5. Boundary Line Plot Plan - Whenever an application is made for a building permit which the Building Inspector believes may be affected by a Wetlands Protection District boundary, the Inspector shall require the applicant for such permit to probide as part of such application a plan, certified by a registered land surveyor, of the lot on which such building is intended to be built showing the exact location of the Dis- trick boundary as described on the Zoning Map, "Wetlands Protection Dis- trick, Reading, Mass., 1975" and in paragraph 2 herein. In the case of a building permit for an interior improvement to a building or structure, the boundary line location shall not be required. 6. Determination of Flooding and Suitability - If any land in the Wetlands Protection District is proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Appeals as being in fact neither subject to flooding nor unsuitable because of drainage conditions for a use or structure which would other- wise be prohibited by this section, and the Board of Appeals determines that the use of such land for such use or structure will not interfere with the general purposes for which the District has been established, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and/or welfare, the Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for such use or struct- ure which will comply in all respects with all other provisions of the underlying District or Districts within which the land is located, pro- vided that any and all necessary permits, orders or approvals required by local, State, or Federal Law are obtained. The Board of Appeals shall refer each question to the Planning Board, Board of Survey, Con- servation Commission and Board of Health and shall not act until these agen- cies have reported their recommendations or 45 days have elapsed after such referral and no report has been received. 7. Special Permit Requirements - Any other by-law or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, no construction requiring any utility, in- cluding electric, water, gas and telephone lines or waste disposal or drainage facilities shall be permitted within the District unless the Board of Appeals grants a special permit based on a determination that all utilities are located, elevated and constructed so as to minimize or eliminate flood damage and that methods of disposal for sewage, refuse and other waste and methods of providing drainage are adequate to reduce flood hazards. Nancy Wilson Anderson moved that the following amendments be made under Article 80: 1. In Section XXVI 3. Use Regulations, in the paragraph immediately following paragraph c., delete "and (8)" and substitute in place thereof 11, (8) and (9)", and add the following new paragraph: "(9) driveways.or streets including utilities, drainage, pavement, curbs, sidewalks and other related facilities approved under the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Survey across a stream, brook, channel or other watercourse where access is needed to service portions of a lot not otherwise accessible or where alternative means of access are impractical: (;;:) Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 2. In Section XXVI 4. Lot Area Allowance, at the end of the first sentence thereof, delete the words "20,000 square feet." and substitute the words: "8,000 square feet in a Residence Al District, 12,000 square feet in a Residence A2 District, and 20,000 square feet in a Residence A3 District." 3. In Section XXVI 7. Special Permit Requirements, delete that sub- section 7, in its entirety. On motion of William H. Diamond it was voted that themotionsmade under this Article be laid on the table. 89 voted in the affirmative 44 voted in the negative ARTICLE 75. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Commission to take the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes, under Chapter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for such acquisition or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition: The parcel of land on the south side of Charles Street between Bel- mont Street and Libby Avenue, and shown entirely as lot 1 on Reading As- sessors! Plat number 116, containing 30.48 acres, more or less and lot 3 on Reading Assessors' Plat number 91, containing 10.49 acres, more or less. 122 voted in the affirmative 3 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) ARTICLE 76. Nancy Wilson Anderson moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Com- mission totake the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee Ar rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes under Chapter 40, Section BC of the General Laws and that the sum of Twenty Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for such acquisition or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisi- tion: The parcel of land off Sanborn Lane and south of Mill Meadow, and shown entirely as lot 1 on Reading Assessors' Plat number 235, contain- ing 6.3 acres, more or less. This motion did not pass. 38 voted in the affirmative 100 voted in the negative ARTICLE 77. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Commission to take the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement i therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes under Chap- ter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws, and to raise and appropriate, or appropriate from available funds, a sum of money to pay for the same or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and ex- penses of such acquisition, and determine how any such appropriation will be raised, whether by taxation, transfer of available funds, by borrowing or otherwise, and, if by borrowing, to authorize the issu- ance of bonds or notes of the Town therefor; and to authorize the Con- servation Commission to enter into agreements with state and federal agencies for financial and other assistance in connection with such program, or take any other action with respect thereto. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 i4 t) The parcel of land north of Sanborn Lane and shown as lot 3 on a plan entitled "Land in Reading, Massachusetts - Robert B. Carlson - Owner" and bounded and described according to measurements shown on said plan, as follows: Northeasterly, by the Ipswich River, 3,160 feet; Southerly, by land of the Town of Reading in two courses, 213.0 feet, and 294.3 feet; Westerly, by land of Alger in four courses, 209.4 feet, 14.5 feet, 85.8 feet, and 93.1 feet; Southerly, by land of Alger, 349.6 feet; Westerly, by land of Kurchian in two courses, 152.8 feet and 61.3 feet• Southerly, by land of Kurchian, 414.4 feet; Westerly, by land of MacMillan in three courses, 352.6 feet, 338.2 feet and 850.0 feet; Northerly, by land of the Town of Reading 327.0 feet; Westerly, by land of the Town of Reading in two courses, 211.9 feet and 99.0 feet; Southerly, by,klnd of the Town of Reading in six courses, 247.5 feet, 33.0 feet, 198.0 feet, 99.0 feet, 122.1 feet, and 151.1 feet; and Northerly, by land of the Town of Reading 276.2 feet. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that this Article be in- definitely postponed. Kenneth C. Latham stepped down from the position of Moderator dur- ing the business under Articles 78 and 79 and turned the position of Moderator over to the Town Clerk, Lawrence Drew. ARTICLE 78. James R. Boucher moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Commis- sion to take the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee or right of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes under Chapter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws, and that the sum of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and ap- propriated for such acquisition or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition: The parcel of land east of Grove Street, north of Intervale Terrace, and west of John Carver Road, and shown entirely as lot 37 on Reading Assessors- Plat number 122, containing 8.7 acres, more or less. This motion did not pass. 85 voted in the affirmative 44 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) by Beverly B.Seavey ARTICLE 79. On motion of Dorothy M. Anderson and as amended^ it was voted -that the Selectmdn through the Conservation Commission and in con- junction with the Parks and Playground Department, investigate the pur- chase by the Town, including the option of bonding the twenty-four (24) acres, more or less, or any portion thereof, of land off Walnut Street, said land being commonly known as the "Hopkins Farm", and to take what- ever preliminary steps are necessary, including preliminary application for partial reimbursement of the cost thereof with the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to bring this matter to the next regularly scheduled Town Meeting, or a Special Town Meeting, if such is necessary, and that the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) be raised and appropriated from the tax levy to carry out the purpose of this motion. ARTICLE 81. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr., it was voted that the Town vote to insure future compliance with the National Flood In- surance Program by adopting the following resolution: Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1975 WHEREAS, certain areas of Reading are subject to periodic flood- ing, causing serious damages to properties within these areas; and WHEREAS, relief is available in the form of Federally -subsidized flood insurance as authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of this Town Meeting to require the recognition and evaluation of flood hazards in all official actions relating to land use in the flood plain areas having special flood haz- ards; and WHEREAS, this body has the legal authority to adopt land use and control measures to reduce future flood losses pursuant to the Consti- tution and General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Now, therefore, be it resolved that this Town Meeting hereby: 1. Assures the Federal Insurance Administration that it will enact, as necessary, and maintain in force for those areas having flood hazards, adequate land use and control measures with effective enforcement provisions consistent with the cri- teria set forth in Section 1910 of the National Flood Insurance Program Regulations; 2. Vests the Board of Selectmen with the responsibility, authority, and means to: (a) Delineate or assist the administrator, at his re- quest, in delineating the limits of the areas having special flood hazards on available local maps of sufficient scale to identify the location of building sites for further action by the Town Meeting. (b) Provide such information as the administrator may request concerning present uses and occupancy of the flood plain area. (c) Cooperate with Federal, State and local agencies and private firms which undertake to study, survey, map and identify flood plain areas, and cooperate with neighboring communities with respect to management of adjoining flood plain areas in order to prevent aggravation of existing hazards. (d) Submit on the anniversary date of the community's initial eligibility an annual report to the Administrator on the progress made during the past year within the commun- ity in the development and implementation of flood plain man- agement measures; and 3. Directs the Building Inspector, in accordance with the State Building Code, to maintain for public inspection and furnish upon request a record of elevations (based on mean sea level datum) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures located in the special flood hazard areas including, if the lowest floor is below grade on one or more sides, the elevation of the floor immediately above. 4. Agrees to take such official action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the objectives of the program. On motion ?f Nancy Wilson Anderson it was voted that this meeting stand adjournHARursday, June 5, 1975, at 8:00 P. M., to meet in Mem- orial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned: 11:59 P. M. 154 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk i J ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING :'s7 Reading Memorial High School Auditorium June 5, 1975 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. J. Kevin McAndrews of St. Athana- sius Church, followed by Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Kenneth C. Latham stepped down from the position as Moderator dur- ing the business of Reconsideration under Article 78 and turned the posi- tion of Moderator over to the Town Clerk, Lawrence Drew. The Town Clerk read the Notice and his Return on posting Notice of Proposed Reconsideration of Article 78, in accordance with Article II, Section 4, of the General By -Laws of the Town. It was moved by Lynn G. Stasz that the following vote under Arti- cle 78, passed at the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting held on May 22, 1975, be reconsidered: ARTICLE 78. James R. Boucher moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Commis- sion to take the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee or right of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes un- der Chapter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws, and that the sum of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for such acquisition or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition: The parcel of land east of Grove Street, north of Intervale Terrace, and west of John Carver Road, and shown entirely as lot 37 on Reading Assessors! Plat number 122, containing 8.7 acres, more or less. This motion did not pass. 65 voted in the affirmative 44 voted in the negative Votelto reconsider: 98 voted in the affirmative (2/3 vote required) 45 voted in the negative ARTICLE 78. James R. Boucher moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen upon the written request of the Conservation Commis- sion.to take the following described land, or any part thereof, in fee or right of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase or otherwise, for conservation purposes un- der Chapter 40, Section BC of the General Laws, and that the sum of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for such acquisition or to be used for the payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition: The parcel of land east of Grove Street, north of Intervale Terrace, and west of John Carver Road, and shown entirely as lot 37 on Reading Assessors' Plat number 122, containing 8.7 acres, more or less. This motion umder teponsideration did not pass. 88 voted in the affirmative 60 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) ARTICLE 80. On motion of James R. Boucher, as amended by Nancy Wil- son Anderson, it was voted that the Town amend the Zoning By -Laws and Zoning Map by making the following changes: 1. By adding the following new definitions to the section entitled Definitions: "25.A "Wetlands Protection District" is a district which includes those lands which are outside the Flood Plain District but are subject to seasonal or periodic wetness. 1;8 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 5, 1975 26. A "watershed" is an area drained by a stream or stream system." 2. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section I thereof, a new class of district as follows: "11. Wetlands Protection District (New Dwellings prohibited, except receipt of a special permit)." 3. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section II thereof, a new paragraph as follows: "Where boundaries of the Wetlands Protection District are indi- cated, the lines shall be contours based on the mean sea level datum• setbacks from the banks of all watercourses (natural or man-made) not otherwise within contour lines; and setbacks from streets and other features all as defined on the map entitled, "Wetlands Protection District, Reading, Massachusetts, 1974'." 4. By adding to Part I: Districts, in Section III thereof, a new subsection after 3E as follows: "3F. In Wetlands Protection Districts all uses other than as described in Section XXVI are prohibited, except when a special per- mit is granted by the Board of Appeals. Uses allowed under such per- mit shall be only as described in Section XXVI, Paragraph 5." 5. By adding to Part VI: Special Districts, a new Section XXVI: Wetlands Protection District as follows: Section XXVI Wetlands Protection District 1. Purposes - In addition to the purpose in Section I of this By -Law, the purposes of this district are: a. To provide that lands in the Town of Reading subject to sea- sonal or periodic flooding as described hereinafter shall not be used for residence or other purposes in a manner as to endanger the health or safety of the occupants thereof, or the public generally or to burden the public with costs resulting from the unwise individual choices of land use. b. To protect, preserve and maintain the water table and water recharge areas within the Town so as to preserve present and potential water supplies for the public health and safety of the Town and the Town and the Metropolitan area. C. To assure the continuation of the natural flow pattern of the water courses within Reading and to preserve natural flood water stor- age areas so as to protect persons and property against the hazards of flood inundation. 2. Location - The locations and boundaries of the Wetlands Pro- tection District are shown on a map entitled "Wetlands Protection District, Reading, Mass., 1975", (consisting of 39 sheets) which is hereby made a part of this By -Law and which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Said District shall include all those areas iden- tified on said map including those areas specifically described as follows: a. All that land bordering any natural waterbody that lies within a horizontal distance of twenty-five (25) feet from the mean high water line except as otherwise defined on the Wetlands Protection District Map. The mean high water line is defined (1) at a waterbody as the elevation where vegetation changes from predominantly terres- tial and (2) along a brook, river or stream the elevation on the bank of a channel at which the annual high water has left a definite mark; b. All waterbodies encircled by boundary lines of the District; C. All that land along certain unnamed brooks that lies within a horizontal distance of twenty-five (25) feet from the mean high water line along each bank thereof except as otherwise defined on the Wet- lands Protection District Map; and Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 5, 1975 149 d, All those wetlands which may be described as upland swamps or marshes which lie at the source of the brooks or the tributaries or which lie in surface depressions with or without drainage outlets, as defined on the Wetlands Protection District Map. 3. Use Regulations - The Wetlands Protection District shall be considered as overlying other districts established by this By -Law. Any uses permitted in the portion of the districts so overlaid shall be permitted except that: a. No new building or structure shall be erected or constructed; b. No existing building or structure shall be moved, altered or enlarged so as to increase its ground coverage by more than a total of twenty (20) per cent; and C. No dumping or filling or relocation of earth mater- ials shall be permitted. In addition, the following uses shall be permitted in the District subject specifically to paragraphs 3. a., b. and c. above, except that paragraph c. will not apply to paragraphs (7),-(8) and -(9) below provided that prior approval of the Conservation Commission under the prouisions of General Laws, Ch. 131, Section 40 has been given: (1) Uses directly related to the conservation of water, plants and wildlife. (2) Outdoor recreation activities and facilities, including un- paved play areas, nature study, boating, fishing and hunting where other- wise legally permitted; (3) Wildlife management areas: landings, foot, bicycle and/or horse paths and bridges, provided such uses do not affect the natural flow pattern of any water course. (4) Grazing and farming, including truck gardening and harvesting Ell of crops; (5) Forestry and nurseries; (6) Small non-residential structures of less than 100 square feet of floor area used in connection with recreation or the growing, harvest- ing, storage or sale of crops raised on the premises; (7) Creation of ponds with a total water surface area at normal elevation not in excess of 40,000 square feet; and (8) Removal of silt and other accumulated debris from a watercourse which tends to interfere with the natural flow patterns of the water- courses. (9) Driveways or streets including utilities, drainage, pavement, curbs, sidewalks and other related facilities approved under the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Survey across a stream, brook, channel or other watercourse where access is needed to service portions of a lot not otherwise accessible or where alternative means of access are impractical. 4. Lot Area Allowance - If any portion of a lot in a single-fam- ily residence district is overlaid by the Wetlands Protection District, said portion may be used to meet the area regulations of that district provided that no building or structure may be erected on the portion re- maining outside the Wetlands Protection District unless that has a mini- mum area of 6,000 square feet in a Residence Al District, 12,000 square feet in a Residence A2 District, and 20,000 square feet in a Residence A3 District. A lot with a dwelling existing thereon at the time of the adoption of this by-law shall not be deemed a non -conforming lot because any portion of it lies within the Wetlands Protection District, providing that the dwelling itself does not lie within said District. j5!1 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 5, 1975 If any portion of a lot in a commercial or industrial district is overlaid by the Wetlands Protection District, any use of the lot shall require a special permit from the Board of Appeals. S. Boundary Line Plot Plan - Whenever an application is made for a building permit which the Building Inspector believes may be affected by a Wetlands Protection District boundary, the Inspector shall require the applicant for such permit to provide as part of such application a plan, certified by a registered land surveyor,of the lot on which such building is intended to be built showing the exact location of the District boundary as described on the Zoning Map, "Wetlands Protection District, Reading, Mass., 1975" and in paragraph 2 herein. In the case of a building permit for an inter- ior improvement to a building or structure, the boundary line location J shall not be required. 6. Determination of Flooding and Suitability - If any land in the Wetlands Protection District is proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Appeals as being in fact neither subject to flooding nor unsuitable because of drainage conditions for a use or structure which would other- wise be prohibited by this section, and the Board of Appeals determines that the use of such land for such use or structure will not interfere with the general purposes for which the District has been established, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and/or wel- fare, the Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for such use or structure which will comply in all respects with all other provisions of the underlying District or Districts within which the land is lo- cated, provided that any and all necessary permits, orders or appro- vals required by local, State, or Federal Law are obtained. The Board of Appeals shall refer each question to the Planning Board, Board of Survey, Conservation Commission and Board of Health and shall not act until these agencies have reported their recommendations or forty-five (45) days have elapsed after such referral and no report has been re- ceived. 112 voted in the affirmative 27 voted in the negative (2/3rds vote required) On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 4 from the table. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that Article 4 be., indefinitely postponed. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 3 from the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that Harold B. Currell and Irving E. Dickey be appointed Measurers of Lumber and Measurers of Wood and Bark. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ara A. Karakashian it was voted that the Moderator appoint a Committee of five Town Meeting Members to investi- gate the services being provided to the Town by the Eastern Middlesex Mental Health Association and by "735 Inc." and to report its find- ings to the next Annual Meeting. This Committee should determine the nature and extent of specific services being provided to school age children and also the nature and extent of services being provided to adults. Statistics, indicating the number of residents being served in each service category, should be included in the report of the Com- mittee. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ara A. Karakashian it was voted that Rep- resentative Nils L. Nordberg be instructed by this Town Meeting to in- itiate whatever legislative action may be necessary to bring relief to the taxpayers of Reading and other communities within the Common- wealth from those regulations pertaining to public education that place unnecessary, unusual or inequitable burdens upon them. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 5, 1975 151 ARTICLE 3. On motion of Beverly B. Seavey it was voted to instruct the Personnel Board to carefully supervise and review the merit raises given by various departments throughout the year and to report at the Annual Town Meeting in May of each year. This report should include the name of the Department, the number of employees given such merit raises in each Department, and the percentage of merit increases awarded by each Department, and total dollar amounts expendable by each Department for this purpose. The Personnel Board is further instructed to provide the Town Clerk, copies of the Classification Schedule to be mailed with the Finance Com- mittee Report for the Annual Town Meeting of each year. The Classifica- tion Schedule should be the most current Schedule available, and should include all proposed changes being requested at this Town Meeting: ARTICLE 3. On motion of Lawrence W. Leonard it was voted that a study committee be appointed by the Selectmen to bring in a report on a suitable dump site areaior the Town of Reading, said committee to con- sist of four Town Meeting Members, two Board of Public Works members and one Finance Committee member, said committee to report at next An- nual Town Meeting. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Lawrence S. Webster it was voted that the Board of Public Works be instructed to insert in the Annual Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting, no later than May 1977, an article on two phases of trash collection: 1. Annual trash collection 2. Semi-annual Trash Collection ARTICLE 3. On motion of Eleanor K. Higgott it was voted that the Board of Selectmen contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Works for purposes of consideration of the installation of traffic signals at the corner of Main Street and Summer Avenue; further that a report be made at the next Town Meeting. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that Article 3 be in- definitely postponed. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that Article 2 be in- definitely postponed. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned, sine die, at 11:40 P. M. 160 Town Meeting Members were present. e_ A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING WARRANT (Separate Sheet)