HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-05-02 Annual Town Meeting Minutes Town Election April 11, 1977
transmitted to the Town Clerk to be placed in the vault for safe keeping.
Voted to adjourn 11:30 P. M. , April 11, 1977.
A true record. Attest: 1 _�
Lawrence Drew
Town Clerk
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 2, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Lewis MacLean of the Church of the
Nazarene, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Mr. A. Lloyd David who passed
away on April 23rd, 1977. Mr. David was a charter member of the limited form of
Town Meeting in the Town of Reading, and a long-time member of the Planning Board.
The Wsrrant was partially read by theTown Clerk, when on motion of Richard J.
Ogden it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant, except the
Constable's Return, which was then read by the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 2. The following address was presented by Richard J. Ogden, Chairman
of the Board of Selectmen.
STATE OF THE TOWN
A bylaw change made by the Fall 1974 Town Meeting requires the Board of
Selectmen to report at each annual town meeting on the State of the Town. This
procedure is an opportunity to review the events of the past year and to comment
on the future.
1976, like any year, was marked by both achievements and disappointments.
Among the achievements was the work of the Growth and Development Policy
Committee. This Committee, consisting of Town officers, other volunteered
citizens, and chaired by Selectman Sullivan, studied past and present Town policies
and actions, formulating guidelines for future Town policies and concerns.
Reading's position in 1976 was well summed up by the Committee in their policy
statement which listed Reading's assets as including human resources, overall
quality of environment, highway access, railroad transportation, and location
of community; and, its liabilities as including property tax rate, lack of
overall planning programs, and lack of home rule.
Work commenced in 1976 to improve the coordination and communication of
human services and eliminate duplication of effort. In Reading, the School
Department, Board of Health, Council on Aging, Recreation Committee, Youth
Office, Drop-in Center, Veteran's Services, 735, Eastern Middlesex Mental Health,
Mystic Valley Home Care, Visiting Nurses, Housing Authority, Section 8 Housing,
Office for Children, and Welfare Department all provide services to citizens in
need. The Selectmen's Office is currently compiling an inventory of what
these groups are doing with the intent of publishing a catalog of human services
for providers and recipients.
The Board of Selectmen started working this year with the Personnel Board
to establish a performance evaluation system for Reading Town employees.
The Town Meeting established a new bylaw committee which has been working
throughout the year to update our bylaws. Some of their recommendations for
improvements are contained in this year's annual warrant.
Again in 1976 Federal funding played a major role in Reading. The
Selectmen continued their policy of pursuing only those Federal funds needed by
the Town without committing the Town in the future. In this regard, working
with the Reading Housing Authority, the Board continued with and expanded its
supplemental rent program to aid the elderly and very low income families in
their housing needs. Presently, 55 units of housing are being supplemented with
Federal funds. Working with the Council on Aging, the Selectmen's office
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
initiated a nutrition program for the elderly. Under this program, each week
day a hot meal is served at lunch time to an average of 45 Reading senior citizens
at the Community Center. Federal funds are used to pay for 90 percent of the
cost of the program. The Reading Youth Office, established by the Board of
Selectmen and completely Federally funded, is in its third year of successful
operations. This office services in counseling, jobs, referral, court advocacy,
and crises intervention. The biggest function to date has been placing Reading
youth in jobs. The CETA program is currently funding 11 full-time positions for
Reading citizens throughout various Town Departments.
A new dog officer has been appointed, and there has been a significant
increase in the number of fines.
Quarterly meetings of all Town committees and boards were initiated to
discuss and work on common problems and to improve communications and coordination.
As an offshoot of this meeting, the Planning Board has been assigned the task
of undertaking a space study to evaluate present and future municipal space needs.
The results of this study should be of great importance considering the closing
of school buildings and future library plans. Also, several Town boards have been
working together to determine feasibility of centralized equipment maintenance.
Town boards and officers have also been working together to assure that the
new elderly housing project on No. Main Street will be not only a project to
provide adequate housing for our elderly citizens, but also a project our Town
will be proud of. Through the contributions and efforts of numerous private
citizens, under the leadership of Marvin Rosenthal, Reading again had its
beautiful display of Christmas lights as well as a new Hanukkah candle, manifes-
ting an ecumenical spirit.
During the past twelve months, the largest disappointment by far was the
performance of the non-voters under Article I of this Town Meeting, the annual
Town Election. A low voter turnout for local elections is not unusual in Reading,
but the performance leading up to the annual election and lack of performance on
election day was deplorable. Many Town officers and Town Meeting members
vacancies went unchallenged and over 85% of registered voters did not even show up.
Another disappointment is the prospect of the spiraling tax rate increase
as State aid and Federal revenue share decrease while Town expenditures increased.
In addition, our second application for funding to construct a new police station
was not granted as we nearly missed being one of the several cities and towns
selected.
Regarding the future, the work that has commenced in the areas of human
services and space must continue. Enrollment in our public schools will have a
major impact on these areas as well as other areas. One school has already been
closed, a second is being closed, and the closing of two additional buildings is
contemplated in the next two years. The Superintendent of Schools has wisely
stated that certain aspects of this enrollment situation will call for a real team
effort on the part of the Town.
Although we all dread the thought of bigger and more expensive Government, we
must accept the need in the future for a human services department to evaluate and
coordinate present services and to provide services not now available to our
citizens in need. In addition, we most recognize the fact that our Youth Office
one day must be town funded.
We cannot continue to try to provide library services in extremely cramped
positions. Other problem areas to be solved include future water resources, land
use, traffic patterns and parking in the downtown area and how to overcome citizen
apathy. With the cooperation of all other Town offices, Town Meeting members,
and interested citizens, the Board of Selectmen pledges to use their resources to
address these matters of concern to Reading and to preserve the character of
Reading as defined by the Growth and Development Committee in their report:
"Its quality of life; an attractive, moderately populated, primarily
residential community with adequate open space, sufficient services,
voluntary and open government, good schools, broad social and athletic
activities, minimum industry, and well maintained homes -- in general,
an attractive place to live."
This report was received as a report of progress.
Annual Town Election May 2, 1977
ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Elizabeth W. Klepeis,
Chairman of the Finance Committee:
SUPPLEMENT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
FOR FISCAL 1978
CORRECTIONS
p. 3 Asst. School Superintendent - Ed. $30,565
p. 7 TAX RATE CALCULATIONS
TOTAL TO BE RAISED: $17,147,204
ESTIMATED STATE AND COUNTY ASSESSMENTS 1,676,074
TOTAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESTIMATES 18,832,278
Deductions to Compute Estimated Tax Rate:
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $5,325,504
Transfers and surplus Revenue 1,185,844 -6,511,348
$12,311,930
As Fixed FY'76 As Fixed FY'77 As Fixed FY'78
Net Amount to be Raised by
Taxation 10,657,761 11,379,413 12,311,930
Total Valuation 185,352,000 279,193,000 282,937,130
Tax Rate (per Thousand) 57.50 40.40 43.50
p. 9 TRANSFERS FROM AVAILABLE FUNDS TO: FY'78
Surplus Revenue to Contributory Retirement 381,235
Federal Revenue Sharing to Fire Salaries 169,419
Federal Revenue Sharing to Police Salaries 169,419
Municipal Light Board to Treasurer's Salaries 3,220
Article 79 1975TM to Land Acquisition 3,000
TOTAL TRANSFERS $1,185,844
p. 15 Article 4 RECOMMEND 9:3
Article 5 DO NOT RECOMMEND 11 :1
Article 9 RECOMMEND 11:0
Article 10 RECOMMEND 11:0
p. 16 Line Item FY'77 Fin.Comm. Fin.Comm.
Recommendation Vote
2 $39,171 8:2
6 $25,000
Total 87,658
14 16,190 13:0
Total 52,840
19 6,350 13:0
Total 60,998
24 47,494 11:1
Total Salary 53,358
Total 62,358
40 2,000 10:1
Total 42,000
p. 17 42A Maintenance of Prospect
& Lowell St. Schools 7,500 10:2
Total 112,334
GENERAL GOVERNMENT TOTAL 5613755
52 8,000 13:0
53 3,500 13:0
Total 916,767
57 31,577 11:0
Total 35,177
61 12,761 12:0
Total 21,196
P. 18 65 8,975 13:0
Total 20,423
Protection Subtotal 2,031,029
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
Line Item Fin.Co=. Fin.Coo®.
Recommendation Vote
p. 18 67 51,000 10:2
68 8,400 9:1
Special Art. Sub. 65,350
PROTECTION TOTAL 2,095,773
81 5,942 11:0
Total 109,979
p. 19 82 19,013 13:0 1
84 70,000 12:1 J
Total 90,735
86 78,625
87 13,025 10:1
Total 123,250
91 177,344 12:0
92 70,294 12:0
Total 251,988
98 12,800 10:1
Total 67,200
General Services Sub. 674,440
GENERAL SERVICES TOTAL 675,440
106 6,755,373
Subtotal Education 8,308,084
p. 20 EDUCATION TOTAL 8,487,865
p. 21 159 492,866 11:0
Subtotal 1,118,003
163 15,000 13:0
Subtotal 1,620,597
UNCLASSIFIED TOTAL 2,941,311
TOTAL RAISED BY TOWN MEETING 17,117,751 11
Snow and Ice to be Raised 30,000 J
TOTAL FOR TAX RATE SETTING 17,147,751
p. 22 Article 15 Recommend $8,400 10:0
Article 20 No Action
p. 23 Article 21 Indefinitely Postponed
Article 28 Her,oimnend $51,000 10:2
p. 24 Article 29 Indefinitely Postponed
Article 30 Indefinitely Postponed
p. 25 Article 37 Do Not Recomend 11:2
Article 41 Recommend 11:2
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report of the Christmas Light Coamittee was read
by Marvin M. Rosenthal:
Report of Christmas Light Comittee
Total Contributed $5,906.26
Interest Accrued 59.57
5,965.83
Expenses 108.00
5,857.83
Paid on New Lights 2,500.00
Balance on Hand 3,357.83
Balance Due on New
Lights 2,500.00
857.83
This report was accepted, with thanks.
p l, :
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
ARTICLE 2. Sandra J. Trainor, representing the Eastern Middlesex Mental
Health Association, made a slide presentation of the works of that organization.
In addition, she presented financial statement for the Fiscal Year 1976 as
follows:
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING REGARDING EASTERN MIDDLESEX MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
FISCAL YEAR 1976
TAX LEVY from the Town of Reading 30,000
FEES paid by clients of Reading 7,094
Paid by 766 1,440
TOTAL 38,534
Additional Information at E.M.M.H.A.
GENERAL FUND
PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE:
Public Support -
From Communities * 139,457
Grant Income - Melrose Mini School 20,364
Grant Income - Activity Center ** 17,922
Donations 748
Revenue -
Clinic Fees 33,516
Interest Income 1,084
Miscellaneous 417
TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE 213,508
* Melrose Mini School - The Melrose Mini School program is a community
service program under control of the Melrose Public School Department.
LThe Association is a conduit for funds and paymaster, and it receives
an administrative fee annually for this service.
** Sources of Grant - Dept. of Public Welfare, Office for Children, Dept.
of Mental Health.
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report of the Personnel Board was presented
by John C. Newman:
Report of the Personnel Board
The Board underwent a number of changes during this past year due to the
resignation at mid-term of Mr. David Kruger and Mr. William Winslow whose posts
were filled by Mrs. Charlotte Thompson and Mr. Domenic Patalano. In December
the Board regretted the resignation of two long-time members, Mr. James Fandel
and Chairman Leo Campbell, who, along with other dedicated members, past and
present, had helped to make this Board a meaningful and viable Committee.
To bring the Board to its full quota of membership, the Finance Committee
appointed Mr. Bayard Lincoln, and Mr. Winslow Blake was appointed by the Board of
Selectmen.
The vacant position of Chairman was accepted by Mr. John Newman who has been
a member since 1973.
During the year the Board's main project was the further development of a
system for preparing Standard Job Descriptions and updating the Job Classification
and Compensation Plan. It was felt that a professional source should be used
for the purpose. After contacting three reliable firms who specialize in
Municipal Plans of this genre, and obtaining quotes for the development of such,
it appeared too costly a venture at this time.
After meetings with Department Heads and Boards it was agreed that they
could tackle the Job Descriptions, Job Classification & Compensation Plan
changes themselves with the help of the Personnel Board. Much work has gone into
this program and it is now felt that a system is nearing completion.
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
A meetingwas held with Precinct Chairmen to explain the purpose of a
P p p Personnel
Board and define the limits of its authority. Numerous questions were asked of
Board Members, the answers to which explained the functions and purpose of the
Board and clarified many issues for the Chairmen. It was agreed that another
meeting be called before the Annual Town Meeting so that the Personnel Board should
explain the rationale of any Warrant Articles that might be presented at Town
Meeting, in order that they could be explained clearly to Precinct Members.
The Board held its regularly scheduled Monday meetings and besides partici-
pating in numerous sub-coamiittee meetings, convened with other Boards and Department
Heads, and kept abreast of collective bargaining negotiations
John C. Newman, Chairman
Charlotte Thompson
Domenic A. Patalano
Winslow F. Blake
Bayard R. Lincoln
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Joyce K. Miller, Chairman
of the Reading Bicentennial Comission:
REPORT OF PROGRESS
READING BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION
The activities of the Bicentennial Commission have not been visible the
past few months, but work is continuing as scheduled. The three publications
are nearing completion and should be available later this summer. We are working
with the Board of Public Works on a project to beautify the small triangle of
land in front of the Common, including erection of a new directory and map of the
Town. This should be completed by July.
We expect to return in November with our final report, including recommenda-
tions for a continuing, formal program to continue and to preserve the work we
have started.
This report was accepted as a report of progress. 1
ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Maureen T. O'Brien, +l
Chairman of the Planning Board:
Report of the Planning Board
Zoning continued to be a topic of major interest for the Reading Planning
Board. During 1976, a new multi colored zoning map was produced that incorporated
the changes in zoning districts voted by Town Meeting since 1970. The new map
was made available to all Town Meeting Members. A major reorganization and
recodification of the Town's Zoning By-Laws was initiated in late 1976. The
result of this work will be a more readable, comprehensible By-Law incorporating
the mandated requirements of Chapter 808. The revised Zoning By-Laws will be
presented to Town Meeting for approval in 1977.
On April 20, 1976, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the rezoning
of a parcel of land on Jacob Way. The Planning Board issued a positive recommenda-
tion for rezodng but the article was not passed by Town Meeting.
On October 18, 1976, the Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed
zoning by-law that would place a two year moratorium on the construction of all
apartment buildings in the Town. The proposed by-law specifically cited a ban
on the construction of subsidized housing under Chapter 774. The public hearing
was lengthy with heated but orderly debate. The Planning Board gave a negative
recommendation on the proposed by-Law. The Planning Board suggested an alternative
approach of cooperation and negotiation with the developer of Chapter 774 housing.
By assuming a positive posture, the Town retains local control under Chapter 774.
If the Town assumes a negative posture, the developer of Chapter 774 housing
can appeal to the State level for relief of local restrictions. There does not
exist a mechanism for local input and control at State level. The proposed by-
law was not passed by Town Meeting.
Even with this development, low and moderate income housing in the Town will
continue to be in short supply. Without positive action on the part of the Town,
we can anticipate future additional proposals for development of Chapter 774
subsidized housing in Reading.
307
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
The Planning Board initiated a Town Government Space Study in September,
1976. The purpose of this study is to determine the present and long term
space needs of the Town. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all boards,
departments, commissions and committees in late September requesting their
present and future space requirements. Due to the poor response from most
portions of Town Government, the Space Study is behind schedule. At the end of
December, a total of twelve (12) questionnaires out of 45 had been returned.
Chapter 807 was signed into law in December, 1975 by the Governor. This
law required all cities and towns of the Commonwealth to prepare a statement
on Local Growth Policy. The Planning Board took an active role in the
development of the Local Growth Policy Statement for the Town. Reading's
statement on Local Growth Policy was integrated with other statements from the
101 member communities of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) forming
a Regional Report on Growth Policy. The Planning Board and the Town had an
active participation in the writing of the Regional Report through the Town's
MAPC representative. The major conclusion of the Regional Report was the
pressing need for property tax relief.
At the 1976 Spring Town Meeting, the Planning Board requested full-time
professional support. Town Meeting did not approve the funding for a Town
Planner. As a result, Reading continued to do individual project planning
without a comprehensive Town Plan. During the past year, several major Town
projects were proposed with little or no input from the Planning Board or other
Town boards. One of these proposed projects was a major new public facility
to be located on the current Town dump. The need for this facility had been
determined, the site selected and the funding source identified without any
input or even any awareness on the part of the Planning Board. Indeed, your
Town Planning Board became aware of this major Town project, not from other
Town officials, but from the Town's newspaper.
It is the position of the Planning Board that the only andrP oper approach
to coordinate the Town's planning function is to hire a full-time professional
planner. By instituting an objective planning function into Town government,
duplication of effort and conflicts between Town boards will be avoided. As
an added benefit, the Town will obtain objective prioritization of its needs.
This policy of the Planning Board was reinforced by the 1976 Fall Town Meeting,
when, on a motion by Mrs. Gayle Wood, Town Meeting instructed the Planning
Board to include the hiring of a full-time, professional planner in its fiscal
year 1978 budget. The Planning Board will comply with this request of Town
Meeting by requesting a Town Planner at the Spring 1977 Town Meeting.
Planning Board
Maureen T. O'Brien, Chairman
George V. Hines, Secretary
Charles J. Keller, Member
Curt E. Nitzsche, Member
Joseph C. Sturm, Member
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Gail F. Wood it was voted that the Recreation
Committee be instructed to give a brief report of progress concerning the Town
Pool before final adjournment of this Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Stephen G. Viegas it was voted that the Board
of Selectmen be instructed to investigate what steps all Town Boards and
Departments are taking to conserve on the use of energy, and what, if any, long
range plans the Town now contemplates which provide for the conservation of
■■SII energy in the future; and that the Board of Selectmen report its findings to
the Town Meeting as soon as practicable after the adoption of this motion.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend
"Schedule A - Classification Plan" and "Schedule B - Compensation Plan" of
Article XXIV of the By-Laws of the Town as follows:
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
FISCAL YEAR 1978
SCHEDULE A - CLASSIFICATION PLAN
Classification of position by occupational classes, description by specific
job title and assignment of non-union positions to pay grades.
1. EXEMPT POSITIONS
SOB TITLE PAY GRADE
A. PUBLIC WORKS CLASSES
Superintendent of Public Works 12
Asst. Superintendent of Public Works -
Operations 10
Asst. Superintendent of Public Works -
Engineering 10
Superintendent of Cemetery Department 9
Supervisor:
Highway 9
Water & Sewer 9
Pumping Station 9
Sanitation 9
Forestry & Parks 9
Senior Civil Engineer 9
Pumping Station Engineer 8
Assistant Civil Engineer 8
B. PUBLIC SAFETY CLASS
Police Chief
Fire Chief 12
C. INSPECTION CLASS
Appraiser 11
Building Inspector 9
Health Agent 9
D. GENERAL GOVERNMENT CLASS
Executive Secretary 11
Town Accountant 9
E. LIBRARY CLASS
Director 10
Assistant Director 8
* Conforms to M. C. L. Ch. 48, S57G
NON-EXEMPT POSITIONS
SOB TITLE
A. PUBLIC WORKS CLASSES PAY GRADE
Sanitary Division Engineer 7
Land Surveyor 7
Administrative Assistant - Business 7
Senior Draftsman 6
Transitman 6
Administrative Aide 6
Junior Draftsman 4
Rodman 4
(All other titles in Public Works are included in collective bargaining
agreements between the Town of Reading and the American Federation of State,
County, and Municipal Employees Union, AFL-CIO, Council #3 and Local #1703
and are thereby excluded from the Classification Plan) .
B. PUBLIC SAFETY CLASS
Police Lieutenant 10
Sargeant Detective 9
Police SCrgeant 9
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
PAY GRADE
Police Matron 3
Fire Department Mechanic 7
Fire Alarm Line Lineman 7
Fire Alarm Groundman 6
Dog Officer 5
Assistant Dog Officer 2
(All other titles in Public Safety are included in collective bargaining
agreements between the Town of Reading and the Reading Patrolman's
Association and the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO
Local #1640) , and are, thereby excluded from the Classification Plan.
C. INSPECTION CLASS
None
D. GENERAL GOVERNMENT CLASS
Accountant 6
Veterans ' Agent 6
Personnel Administration Assistant 7
Conservation Assistant 5
Van Driver (C.O.A.) 4
E. LIBRARY CLASS
Senior Librarian 7
Librarian 6
Library Associate 5
Library Technician 4
Library Clerk 3
r Library Page 1
F. ADMINISTRATIVE CLASS
Administrative Assistant 6
Administrative Secretary 6
G. CUSTODIAL CLASS
Superintendent of Buildings 7
Janitor 4
H. CLERICAL CLASS
Hearing Reporter 5
Secretary 5
Principal Clerk 4
Senior Clerk 3
Junior Clerk 2
FISCAL YEAR 1978
SCHEDULE B - COMPENSATION PLAN
PAY GRADE WEEKLY
MIN. MID. MAX.
1 84 105 126
2 97 121 145
3 111 139 167
4 128 160 192
5 147 184 221
6 168 211 253
7 194 243 292
8 223 279 335
9 256 321 385
10 296 370 444
11 340 425 510
12 392 490 588
Annual Town Meeting May 2, 1977
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to amend "Schedule B: Compensation
Plan" of Article XXIV of the By-Laws of the Town or take any other action with
respect thereto.
On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 6. John C. Newman moved that the Town vote to amend "Section 7,
Benefits and Working Conditions" of Article XXIV of the By-Laws of the Town,
as follows:
By adding under (A) Sick Leave
"An employee who has ninety (90) days of sich leave to his credit on
January 1, 1977 shall be entitled to an additional fifteen (15) days of non-
cumulative sick leave during the calendar year commencing on said date. In
addition, the employee will be paid for any unused portion of said fifteen (15)
days noncumulative sick leave at the rate of fifty per cent (50%) of any of said
fifteen (15) days which are unused during said calendar year at the employee's
rate of pay in effect on July 1, 1977. Payment will be made to the employee
during January of each succeeding calendar year." "Excluded from this plan are
the ensuing Department Heads and Chief Executive Officers;
Executive Secretary
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Supt. of Public Works
" " Cemetery Dept.
Library Director
Assessor
Health Agent
Building Inspector
On motion of Nils L. Nordberg it was voted to lay Article 6 on the table.
ARTICLE 7. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend
"Section 7, Benefits and Working Conditions" in accord with Article XXIV of the
By-Laws of the Town, as follows:
(1) Longevity
By deleting the last sentence "Amounts Payable. . . . . December" and inserting
in its stead:
"Amounts payable annually on the first pay day of December or upon
termination of service to the Town."
ARTICLE 8. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the Town of
Reading establish the position of a salaried Planner to serve at the will of the
Planning Board.
78 voted in the affirmative
68 voted in the negative
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned
until Thursday, May 5, 1977, at 8:00 P.M. to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M.
172 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: ) �—
Law' rence Dre�
Town Clerk
i
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 5, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. John Morris of St. Agnes Raman Catholic
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
It was moved by Ruth E. Berry that the following vote under Article 8, voted
at the Annual Town Meeting of May 2, 1977, be reconsidered:
ARTICLE 8. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien, it was voted that the
Town of Reading establish the position of a salaried Planner to
serve at the will of the Planning Board.
This motion to reconsider vote under Article 8 failed to pass.
74 voted in the affirmative
66 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
On motion of John C. Newman it was voted to take Article 6 from the table.
ARTICLE 6. as amended by James R. Valentine
On motion of John C. Newman^ft was voted that the Town amend "Section 7,
Benefits and Working Conditions" of Article XXIV of the By-Laws of the Town, as
follows:
By adding under (A) Sick Leave
"An employee who has ninety (90) days of cumulative sick leave to his credit
on January 1, 1977 or on January lst of any subsequent calendar year shall be
entitled to an additional fifteen (15) days of noncumulative sick leave during
the calendar year commencing on said date. In addition, the employee will be
paid for any unused portion of the fifteen (15) days noncumulative sick leave at
the rate of fifty per cent (50%) of any of said fifteen (15) days which are
unused during that calendar year at the employee's rate of pay in effect on
January Ise of said year. Payment will be made to the employee on the first pay
r day in January of each succeeding calendar year. Excluded from this right to
■{i, noncumulative sick Leave are the following Department Heads and Chief Executive
Officers:
Executive Secretary
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Supt. of Public Works
Supt. of Cemetery Dept.
Library Director
Assessor
Health Agent
Building Inspector
On motion of Duane B. Heineck it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report of the Recreation Committee was presented
by Duane B. Heineck in accordance with instruction voted under Article 3 at Annual
Town Meeting on May 2, 1977:
Recreation Committee Report: Status of Swimming Pool
I am pleased to state tonight that the Ethel M. Grant Municipal Pool at
Birch Meadow will open for the 1977 season and our target date for opening will
be May 30, 1977.
You will recall that the Recreation Committee came before a special March
Town Meeting last year for funds to rebuild the bathhouse and to replace equipment
lost in the fire.
As soon as funds were appropriated bids and specifications were sent out and
a local contractor, Zina Greenwood 5 Sons, was awarded the contract. A timetable
was set up in hopes that the pool would be operational by July 1, 1976. Delays
occurred when the contractor and the architect differed on the type of construction
involving the footings and through several meetings with the Recreation Committee
the differences were resolved; however, it was now necessary to move up the
opening date to August 1.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1977
The bathhouse was completed on August 1 and the filtration system was in
working order when another unrelated problem occurred-- the cabinet in which our
filter system was housed spring several Leaks causing water damage to the electrical
system and knocking our punps out of commission. We immediately addressed ourselves
to this problem and found that it was impossible to patch up the old cabinet, a
new cabinet had to be installed. Again we came to the special Town Meeting in
November, 1976 to ask for funds to rebuild the filtration system and when they were
granted specs were sent out by the committee and the only bidder, Wilmington Pump,
was awarded the contract.
That brings us up to the present. Wilmington Pump has built and installed
a new cabinet that they tell us will last for 20 years. Pumps, fixtures, and
filters are now in place. The pool has been cleaned, gutters painted, and the
bathhouse readied. Plumbers are at work cleaning out drains, installing shower
heads, etc. Water will be put into the pool this week and the system will be in
operation, hopefully by the end of next week. It will take at least another week
to filter the water and by May 20 it will be fit for swimming.
Our plans call for the pool to open on Monday, May 30. Hours will be from
8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M until school closes. The pool will be used by physical
education classes at the high school. From 3:00 P.M to 5:00 P.M. there will be
recreation swimming for boys and girls aged 9 and up. Family swimming will take
place from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. The pool will be open on Saturday and Sunday
from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. A set of rules have been set up by the Recreation
Committee and will be posted at the pool and printed in the Chronicle.
Our Red Cross Swimming Program will commence on June 27th. Two 4-week
sessions will run in the following classifications: beginners, advanced beginners,
swimmers, advanced swimmers, junior lifesaving and senior lifesaving. Registration
will take place on Satruday, June 11, 1977.
For your information the following is a recap of monies spent on the pool over
the last year and a half:
New Marsite finish, completed April, 1976--------------$ 9,500.00
Architectural design fees for bathhouse---------------- 3,000.00
New bathhouse and equipment (fire loss)---------------- 35,996.27
(completed August 1976)
Replacing cabinet and rebuilding filtration system----- 8,200-.00
(completed May, 1977)
Grand Total $56,696.27
Less insurance settlement from fire - 20,148.19
Net cost to town $36,548.08
In closing I would like to point out that over half of the monies funded for
these repairs were damages caused by vandals, not normal wear and tear. This pool
is located in an isolated area that is subject to heavy vandalism, especially late
at night when the pool is closed. It is a distinct possibility that if this trend
continues and our public facilities continue to be barraged by vandals this body in
future years might decide not to pass large funding of capital expenditures for
major repairs caused by this type of abuse. If this should be the case our pool
could be a permanent memorial of how the acts of a few misguided people can affect
the welfare and recreation of a town.
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 9. On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted that the care, custody
management and control of the Lowell Street School, land and building, in
accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts Laws, Chapter 40, Section 15"
as amended, be and hereby is transferred from the Reading School Committee, Town
of Reading, to the Board of Selectmen, Town of Reading, effective July 1, 1977.
140 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
On motion of William C. Brown it was voted to take up Article 37 in advance.
ARTICLE 37. William C. Brown moved that the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars
($30,000.00) be raised and appropriated for demolition of the Lowell Street School,
and the Board of Selectmen are instructed and authorized to carry out the purpose
of this vote.
This motion did not pass.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1977
I
ARTICLE 10. W. Bruce MacDonald moved that the care, custody, management
and control of the Prospect Street School, land and building, in accordance
with the provisions of Massachusetts Laws, Chapter 40, Section 15A, as amended,
be and hereby is, transferred from the Reading School Committee, Town of Reading,
to the Board of Selectmen, Town of Reading, effective July 1, 1977.
On motion of Walter F. Matson it was voted to lay Article 10 on the table.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. 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 the Old South Clock.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($87.,658.) be raised from
the tax Levy and appropriated to the Board of Selectmen as follows, each item
being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $39,171.00
Expense (including out
of state travel not to
exceed $250) 5,275.00
Miscellaneous
SDecial Committees 500.00
Town Report 7,000.00
Telephone 24,000.00
Memorial Day Observance 3,212.00
Duplicating Costs 8,500.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the sum
of Thirty-four Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-three Dollars ($34,323.) be raised f
from the tax levy and appropriated to the Town Accountant as follows, each item
being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $32,903.00
Expense (including out
of state travel not to
exceed $450.) 1,402.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the sum
of Three Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Dollars ($3,220.) be transferred from the
Municipal Light Department's Operating and Maintenance Account and be transferred
to the Town Treasurer's Salary Account and that the sum of Forty-nine Thousand
Six Hundred Twenty Dollars ($49,620.) be raised from the tax levy and said sums
totaling Fifty-two Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Dollars ($52,840.) be appropriated✓
to the Treasurer as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $36,650.00
Expense (including out
of state travel not to
exceed $450) 16,190.00
and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts,
the Treasurer's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1977 at $9,660.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the sum of
Sixty Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-eight Dollars ($60,998. ) be raised from the
tax levy and appropriated to the Town Collector as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation: /
Salaries $43,594.00 V/
Expense 11,054.00
Collection of
Back Taxes 6,350.00
and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts,
the Town Collector's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1977 at $7,358.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1977
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Thirty-four Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-seven Dollars ($34,587.) be raised from
the tax levy and appropriated to the Town Clerk as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $29,537.00 /
Expense (including out
of state travel not to
exceed $200.) 5,050.00
and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts
the Town Clerk's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1977, at $7,358.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Sixty-two Thousand Three Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($62,358.) be raised from the
tax levy and appropriated to the Assessors as follows, each item being considered
a separate appropriation:
Salaries $53,358.00
Expense (including out
of state travel not to
exceed $250.) 7,000.00
Microfilming 2,000.00
and that in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of
Massachusetts, the Assessors' salaries are hereby set effective July 1, 1977
totaling $5,864, to be divided as they choose.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard P. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Dollars ($1,160.) be raised from the tax levy and
appropriated to the Board of Registrars as follows, each item being considered a
separate appropriation:
Salaries $ 960.00 j"
Expense 200.00 -IV
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Twenty Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($20,800.) he raised from the tax levy and
appropriated to Election and Registration for expense.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the sum of
One Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($1,800.) be raised from the tax levy and ,
appropriated to the Board of Appeals for salaries and expense. V,
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of
Twenty-six Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($26,500.) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated for the Planning Board as follows, each item to be considered
as a separate appropriation:
Salaries $21,500.00 j
Expenses 5,000.00 J
Total $26,500.00
On motion of John H. Crooker it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned
until Monday, May 9, 1977 at 8:00 P.M. , to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M.
155 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: i 1
rence Drew
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 9, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. P. Dale Neufer of the Old South United
Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis, as amended by Richard J.
Ogden, it was voted that the total sum of Ten Thousand One Hundred Fifty Dollars
($10,150. ) be appropriated to the Finance Committee, that of this total Seven
Thousand Dollars ($7,000) be transferred from Article 18 of the 1976 Annual Town
Meeting to the CPA Audit, and Three Thousand One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,150)
be raised from the tax levy, and that each item be considered a separate
appropriation:
Salaries $ 1,300.00
Expense 350.00 V
CPA Audit 8,500.00
$10,150.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Thirteen Thousand Forty-five Dollars ($13,045) be raised fron the tax levy and
appropriated to the Personnel Board as follows, each item being considered a
separate appropriation:
Salaries $12,545.00
Expense 500.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Forty-two Thousand Dollars ($42,000. ) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated
to the Law Committee as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation:
Legal Services (Fees) $40,000.00
Legal Services (Expense) 2,000.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to
the Police and Fire Indemnifications Account.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
One Hundred Sixty-nine Thousand Four Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($169,419. ) be
transferred from the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund (P.L. 92-512) to the Police
Department Salaries and that the sum of Seven Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Seven
Hundred Fifty-nine Dollars ($725,759.) be raised from the tax levy and that said
sums totaling Eight Hundred Ninety-five Thousand One Hundred Seventy-eight Dollars
($895,178.) be appropriated to the Police Department as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries (P.L. 92-512
Authorized) $169,419.00
Salaries 607,827.00
Expense 57,692.00
Cruiser 15,000.00
School Traffic Control 45,240.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. , as amended by Elizabeth W.
Klepeis, it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Sixty-nine Thousand Four Hundred
Nineteen Dollars ($169,419.) be transferred from the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund
(P,L. 92-512) to the Fire Department Salaries and that the sum of Seven Hundred Forty-seven
Thousand Three Hundred Forty -eight Dollars ($747,348.) be raised from the tax
levy and that said sums totalling Nine Hundred Sixteen Thousand Seven Hundred
Sixty-seven Dollars ($916,767. ) be appropriated to the Fire Department as follows,
each item being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries (P.L.92-512)
Authorized $169,419.00
Salaries 700,398.00
Expense 29,450.00
E.M.T.A. 6,000.00
Fire Alarm Salary 8,000.00
Fire Alarm Expense 3,500.00
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 9, 1977
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. , it was voted that the sum
of Fifty-two Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars ($52,720.) be raised from the
tax levy and appropriated for Hydrant Rental. J
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Allan E. Ames it was voted that there be included
in the tax levy for electricity used for street lights the sum of Seventy-nine
Thousand, One Hundred Ninety-two Dollars ($79,192. ) 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 service of appliances
and jobbing during the current fiscal year to be appropriated for the Municipal
Light Plant and that the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) be appropriated
from the said receipts of the Department for the service of merchandise, equipment
and utensils 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 plant,
including payment of Bonds and Notes, servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils
as defined in Chapter 164, Section 57 of the General Laws, or any amendments thereof
or additions thereto and that if said sum of Seventy-nine Thousand, One Hundred and
Ninety-two Dollars ($79,192.00) 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 preceding year as defined in Chapter 164, 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 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr, it was voted that the sum
Jof Thirty-five Thousand One Hundred Seventy-seven Dollars ($35,177.) be raised
from the tax levy and appropriated to the Building Inspector's Department as
follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $31,577.00
Expense 3,600.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. , it was voted that the sum
of Two Thousand Four Hundred Five Dollars ($2,405.00) be raised from the tax levy a
and appropriated to the Sealer of Weights and Measures as follows, each item being J■
considered a separate appropriation:
Salary $ 2,000.00
Expense 405.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of Twenty-
one Thousand One Hundred Ninety-six Dollars ($21,196.) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated to the Dog Officer's Account as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation: /
Salaries $12,761.00 V/
Expense 8,435.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of Two
Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-five Dollars ($2,965.00) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated for Civil Defense salary and expense.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Lynn G. Stasz it was voted that the sum of Twenty
Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-three Dollars and no cents ($20, 23.00) be raised from
the tax levy and appropriated for the Conservation Commissiod as follows, each item
being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries $11,448.00
Expense 8,975.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Ninety Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-three Dollars ($90,753.) be raised from the
tax levy and appropriated to the Veteran's Department as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries $19,031.00
Expense 1,722.00
Aid 70,000.00
n�
, I
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 9, 1977
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be raised from the tax levy andappropriated
for the operation of drinking fountains. 7
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum
of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be transferred from the Cemetery Reserve
Fund and that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) be transferred
from the Cemetery Bequest Fund interest and that the sum of Sixty-ane Thousand
Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($61,650) be raised from the tax levy, and that
such sums totaling Ninety-one Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ( 91,650.) be
appropriated for the Cemetery Department as follows, each item b ng considered
a separate appropriation:
Salaries $78,625.00
Maintenance 13,025.00
$91,650.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum of
Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.) be appropriated from the tax levy and
that Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) be transferred from the Cemetery Reserve
Fund, said sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.) to be expended for the
continued development of Forest Glen and Charles Street Cemeteries, including
site clearing, the construction of drainage, the extension of the road systems,
the water systems and the preparation of lots for sale, such sums to be expended
under the direction of the Board of Cemetery Trustees.
ARTICLE 11. 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 Veterans' Graves.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Edward F. Fuller it was voted that the sum of
Two Hundred Forty Thousand, Five Hundred Ninety-five Dollars and fifty-two cents
($240,595.52) be raised from the tax levy and that the sum of Eight Thousand
Four Hundred Fifty-two Dollars and thirteen cents ($8,452.13) be transferred
from State Aid for Libraries Reserved, and that the sum of Two Thousand Nine
Hundred Forty Dollars and thirty-five cents ($2,940.35) be transferred from
the County Dog License Account and that said sums totaling Two Hundred Fifty-
one Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-eight Dollars ($251,988.) be appropriated for
library purposes including travel outside of state not to exceed $350.00 as
follows:
Salaries $177,344.00
Maintenance 70,294.00
Copy Service 4,350.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum
of Sixty-seven Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($67,200. ) be appropriated from the
tax levy and appropriated to Recreation as follows, each item being considered
a separate appropriation:
V
Salary $ 34,000.00
Expense 20,400.00
Youth Center 12,800.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum
of Thirty Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Dollars ($30,850.) be raised from the tax
levy and appropriated for the Council on Aging as follows, each item being
considered a separate appropriation:
i
Salaries $ 17,932.00
Expense 8,000.00
Hot Lunch Program 2,200.00
Elder Home Care 2,718.00
On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted to lay Article 11 on the table.
On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted to take Article 10 from the
table.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 9, 1977
ARTICLE 10. On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted that the care,
Custody, management and control of the Prospect Street School, land and building,
in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts Laws, Chapter 40, Section 15A
as amended, be and hereby is, transferred from the Reading School Committee,
Town of Reading, to the Board of Selectmen, Town of Reading, effective July 1, 1977.
124 voted in the affirmative
2 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned
until Thursday, May 12, 1977 at 8:00 P.M. , to meet in Memorial High School
Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
149 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: �
A 2
enc DDxew
own Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 12, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Russell J. Collins of St. Athanasius
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
It was moved by William E. Dunham that the following vote under Article
11 voted at the Annual Town Meeting of May 9, 1977, be reconsidered:
Article 11 (49 - 54)
Moved: That the sum of one hundred sixty-nine thousand four hundred
nineteen dollars ($169,419) be transferred from the Federal Revenue Sharing
Fund (P.L. 92-512) to the Fire Department Salaries and that the sum of seven
hundred forty-seven thousand three hundred forty-eight dollars ($747,348)
be raised from the tax levy and that said sums'totalling nine hundred sixteen
thousand seven hundred sixty-seven dollars ($916,767) be appropriated to the
Fire Department as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation:
Salaries (P.L.92-512) Authorized $169,419
Salaries 700,398
Expense 29,450
E.M.T.A. 63000
Fire Alarm Salary 83000
Fire Alarm Expense 3,500
$916,767
This motion to reconsider vote under Article 11 failed to pass.
74 voted in the affirmative
48 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
On motion of Elizabeth W. KLepeis it was voted to take Article 2 from the
table.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 12, 1977
ARTICLE 2. The following Finance Committee report was presented by
Elizabeth W. Klepeis:
Financial Statements
The State of Massachusetts has received approximately $40 million more in
income than had been anticipated. We have learned that between $26-29 million
should be coming back to the cities and towns in Chapter 70 school aid. Therefore
we can expect an updated Cherry Sheet with more school aid, instead of less as
had been feared earlier.
Please refer to page 5 of your Finance Committee report. The figures in
the middle of the page show Chapter 70 aid. For fiscal year 1978, Reading is
entitled to $2,466,235 as per the state formula. On the Cherry Sheet, we were
scheduled to receive approximately 55% of that entitlement, or the $1,348,561
that you see on page 5. Last year's Chapter 70 figures were 69% of entitlement.
We expect that the $26-29 million just mentioned will do one of two things. In
the best case, it will bring us back to last year's level of entitlement, or a
dollar increase of $353,141. This would mean $1.25 less on the tax rate. In the
worst case, it will replace the $116,084 Chapter 70 adjustment. This would mean
$ .40 on the tax rate. I most state that this additional Chapter 70 funding is
not a fait accompli, but we do have reliable information indicating that it is
an excellent possibility. Our $3.10 projected tax rate increase would then be
$1.85 in the best case or $2.70 in the worst case.
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to Lay Article 2 on the table.
On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to take Article 11 from the
table.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the sum of
One Hundred Twelve Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars ($112,334.) be
raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Building Maintenance as follows,
each item being considered a separate appropriation: /
Salaries $44,834 ✓
Expense 60,000
Lowell & Prospect
St. Schools 7,500
ARTICLE 11. On motion of John D. Cafazzo, as amended by Diane K. Haynes,
it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Six
Dollars ($114,646. ) 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 $26,382
Board of Health Expense
j (including out-of-state not
to exceed $300.00) 3,250
Animal Inspector Salary & Expense 550
Care of Contagious Diseases 2,360
Fluoridation 6,195
Mosquito Control 7,300
Nursing Services 3,000
Eastern Middlesex Mental Health
Care 30,000
735 Program 29,667
Eastern Middlesex Association
for Retarded Citizens 5,942
$114,646
ARTICLE 11. On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted that the sum of
Eight Million One Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred Twelve Dollars
($8,153,912.) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the School Department
and the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Two Dollars
($154,172.) received or to be received from Chapter 506 M.E.T.C,O.Funds, so called,
and the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.) from the M.E.T.C.O.
Revolving Account, so called, and the sum of Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Dollars
($11,300. ) received or to be received from Athletic Receipts, and the said sums
totalling Eight Million Three Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-
Four Dollars ($8,344,384.) be authorized and appropriated as follows:
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 12, 1977
General Salaries $6,837,387.
Less: METCO Chapter 506 67,014.
METCO Revolving Account 25.000. $6,745,373.
General Expenses (including Travel
Outside State Not to Exceed $4,850. 1,206,438.
Less: METCO Chapter 506 87,158. 1,119,280.
Special Needs Expense 187,398.
Athletic Expense 44,961.
Less: Athletic Receipts 11,300. 33,661.
Cafeteria Salary Account 56,700.
Adult Education Salary Account 11,500.
$8,153,912.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned
until Monday, May 16, 1977, at 8:00 P.M. to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
151 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
a-
re.. "Drew� t/
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 16, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. P. Reidar Lindland of the First Baptist
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Sandra J. Trainor moved that the following vote under Article 11 voted at
the Annual Town Meeting of May 12, 1977, be reconsidered:
On motion of John D. Cafazzo as amended by Diane K. Haynes, it was voted
that the sum of One Hundred FourteenThousand Six Hundred Forty-Six Dollars
($114,646.) 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 $26,382.
Board of Health Expense (including
out of state, not to exceed $300) 3,250.
Animal Inspector Salary & Expense 550.
Care of Contagious Diseases 2,360.
Fluoridation 6,195.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 16, 1977
Mosquito Control 7,300.
Nursing Services 3,000.
Eastern Middlesex Mental Health Care 30,000.
735 Program 29,667.
Eastern Middlesex Association for
Retarded Citizens 5,942.
$114,646.
This motion to reconsider vote under Article 11 failed to pass.
45 voted in the affirmative
88 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 11 on the table.
On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that all Boards and
Committees be and they hereby are instructed to have a member of the Personnel
Board as a negotiator present at all collective bargaining negotiating sessions
when in keeping with legal operation of the same.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl A. Beaulieu it was voted that the Board of
Library Trustees have available in their presentation of Article 4 at the Special
Town Meeting, Thursday, May 19, the minimum amount of funds necessary for
preparation of minimum preliminary plans sufficient to apply for Federal funds
for construction of a library.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted that the Planning
Board be instructed to call a joint meeting or meetings with the Board of
Selectmen, Board of Public Works, Board of Health, School Committee, Library
Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Cemetery Trustees, Conservation Commission and
Board of Assessors and that these Boards be instructed to cooperate with the
Planning Board to determine how best to obtain effective use of the Town Planner
1 authorized by Article 8 and funded by Article 11 of this Town Meeting and that
[e`1 the Planning Board report back to this body no later than the 1977 subsequent
Town Meeting on the general and specific agreements or disagreements between
the aforementioned boards on the proposed use of the Town Planner for the
overall good of the Town.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table.
On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted to take Article 2 from the
table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Douglass L. Barker:
Report of Progress of the Police Station Building Committee
The status of the application for funds to build a new Reading Police
Station is as follows:
President Carter has signed into law a $4B appropriation to fund additional
public works facilities projects.
We expect to receive a letter from the Economic Development Administration
shortly asking us to update and/or confirm information contained in our applica-
tion made last fall. Your committee and the Board of Selectmen will return the
information requested to the E.D.A. and it is believed as of this date that we
may have an answer to our application by mid-July.
Upon receipt of a favorable reply to our application, it is the intent of
your committee and the Board of Selectmen to request a Special Town Meeting for
the purposes of formally accepting the grant funds and to seek transfer of the
land on John Street from the Board of Public Works to the Board of Selectmen.
Respectively submitted,
Barry J. Mitchel, Chairman
Douglass L. Barker, Secretary
John B. Miller
Anthony L. Rickley
Ralph E. Snyder, Jr.
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 16, 1977
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to take Article 11 from the table.
° ARTICLE 11, On motion of John B. Pacino it was voted that the sum of
One Hundred Seventy-nine Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-One Dollars ($179,781) 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 11. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of One
Million Four Hundred Ninety-four Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty Dollars ($1,494,940.)
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as
follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries for the Public Works Department $ 858,375,
Expenses including out of State travel not
to exceed $200.00 488,215.
Snow and Ice Removal Salaries and Expense 148,350.
Total $1,494,940.
and in accord with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws, the annual
elected officer's salary of the Tree Warden is hereby set at Four Hundred Twenty
Dollars ($420.) effective as of July 1, 1977. $420, is included in the Public
Works salaries.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of Six
Hundred and Three Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Dollars ($603,220.00) be raised
from the tax levy and 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 $ 238,470.
Expenses for Construction, Maintenance and
Operation of Water Works including travel
outside the Sate not to exceed $200.00 364,750.
Total $ 603,220.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of
Fifty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($52,500.00) be raised from the tax
levy and appropriated for the purchase by the Board of Public Works of the
following:
One (1) New Pick Up Truck
One (1) New Truck G.V.W. 37,000 lbs.
One (1) Sand Spreader
Two (2) Hydro-pneumatic scrapers
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 conditions as it may
determine,
One 1971 Ford Pick Up Truck
One 1964 Mack Truck
and the proceeds from such sales, exchanges or transfers are to be appropriated
in addition to aforementioned Fifty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($52,500.00)
for the purchase of the aforesaid equipment such sum to be expended by and under
the direction of the Board of Public Works.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the sum of
✓Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) 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 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the
sum of Two Hundred Thirty-seven Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($237,700.00) be
raised from the tax levy, and that the sum of Sixty-five Thousand Dollars
($65,000.00) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and
Maintenance Account, and that the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00)
be transferred fmm the Public Works Water Construction and Maintenance Appropria-
tion Account, and that the am of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) be
1
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 16, 1977
transferred fromthe Sewer Maintenance and Operation Expense Appropriation and
that such sums totalling Three Hundred Twenty-nine Thousand Seven Hundred
Dollars ($329,700.00) be appropriated for all insurance except Group Insurance
for Town Employees and that said sum be expended by and under the direction of
the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum
of Three Hundred Nineteen Thousand Three Hundred Ninety-six Dollars and ninety-
six cents ($319,396.96) be raised from the tax levy and that the sum of Thirty-
our Thousand Two Hundred Forty-two Dollars and sixty cents ($34,242.60) be
transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance
Account, and that the sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-four Dollars
($5,954.00) be transferred from the Group Insurance Dividend Account, and that
said sums totalling Three Hundred Fifty-nine Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-three
Dollars and fifty-six cents ($359,593.56) be appropriated for group life
insurance, group accidental health and dismemberment insurance for Town employees,
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.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
One Hundred Eleven Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Dollars and eighty-five cents
($111,630.85) be raised from the tax levy and that the sum of Three Hundred
Eighty-one Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($381,235) be transferred
from available free cash, and that the sum of Ninety-four Thousand Three Hundred
Four Dollars and fifteen cents ($94,304.15) be transferred from the Municipal
Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account and that said sums totalling
Five Hundred Eighty-seven Thousand One Hundred Seventy Dollars ($587,170.00) be
appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System as itemized, in accordance
with the provisions of Section 22.7 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws:
Pension Fund $572,470.00
Expense Fund 14,700.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the sum of
Sixty-eight Thousand Forty Dollars and fifty-seven cents ($68,040.57) be raised
from the tax levy and that the sum of Forty-four Thousand One Hundred Sixty
Dollars and forty-eight cents ($44,160.48) be transferred from the Municipal
Light Department Operation and Maintenance Account and said sums totalling
One Hundred Twelve Thousand Two Hundred One Dollars and five cents ($112,201.05)
be appropriated for non-contributory pensions and annuities.
On motion of Carl A. Beaulieu it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned
until 8:00 P. M. on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday, May 19, 1977,
at the Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M.
151 Town.Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
Lawrence Drew
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 19, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Paul E. Barnes of the First
Congregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to adjourn the Annual Town
Meeting until after the Special Town Meeting scheduled for this time.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 19, 1977
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, when on motion of Frank
A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant, except
the Constable's Return, which was then read by the Town Clerk.
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ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Parker Junior High School Auditorium May 23, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Richard M. Woodman of the Unitarian
Universalist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to take Article 11 from the table. '
ARTICLE 11., On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum
L of Sixty-four Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-eight Dollars and seventy-five cents
($64,798.75) be transferred from the unencumbered balance of the Municipal
Incinerator Construction Appropriation Account and that the sum of One
Million Five Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-eight Dollars and
twenty-five cents ($1,555,798.25) be raised from the tax levy and that said sum
totalling One Million Six Hundred Twenty Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-seven
Dollars ($1,620,597.00) be appropriated for maturing debt and interest as
follows:
Maturing Debt. Interest
Schools $ 525,000.00 $304,935.00
Water 94,000.00 20,447.00
Sewer 335,000.00 155,055.00
Incinerator 75,000.00 57,750.00
Planning Bonds 15,000.00 1,885.00
Garage Addition 15,000.00 6,525.00
Anticipation Loans 15,00 .00
$1,059,000.00 $561,597.00
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the sum
of One Hundred Fifty-one Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($151,558.00)
be transferred from Overlay Surplus Revenue and that the sum of Forty-eight
Thousand Four Hundred Forty-two Dollars ($48,442.00) be raised from the tax y
rate and that said sums totalling Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) be
appropriated to the Reserve Fund for expenditures under the direction of the
Finance Committee.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the sum of Two
Thousand Seven Hundred Ten Dollars and fifty-five cents ($2,710.55) be raised
from the tax levy and appropriated for sick leave buy back as follows, each item
being considered a separate appropriation to be added to existing appropriations:
Contributory Retirement Salaries $165.32
Board of Health Salaries 155.40
Police Department Salaries 182.80
Library Salaries 214.16
Board of Public Works Salaries 1,603.48
Building Maintenance Salaries 166.39
Cemetery Department Salaries 64.00
Town Clerk Salaries 75.40
Fire Department Salaries 83.60
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to lay Article 11
on the table.
On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Lawrence R. Blood for
the Dump Site Committee:
DUMP SITE COMMITTEE
GENERAL SANITARY LANDFILL INFORMATION
The use of sanitary landfills is governed by strict compliance with the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Sanitary Landfill Regulations and
the United States Environmental Protection Agency Mandatory Sanitary Landfill
Requirements. The site is constantly being inspected by the Department of
Environmental Quality Engineering Division of General Environmental Control to
insure compliance with the permit.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 23, 1977
The use of a sanitary landfill is a very essential link in the Solid Waste
Disposal needs of the Town of Reading. It is estimated that approximately 10,700
tons of refuse material will be disposed of in the existing site in FY-78. This
10,700 tons of material is primarily composed of residential bulk items such as
household furniture, appliances, tires, pipes, swing sets, auto parts, lawn mowers,
five gallon cans, oil drums, scrap metal, mattresses, plaster, large plastic items,
yard takings, brush, logs and diseased elm wood.
The landfill site is also used to dispose of the residue ash from the 10,640
tons of rubbish which goes through the municipal incinerator.
The actual volume of sanitary landfill which is available for disposal of
dump material represents only about 66.6% of the total volume available within
the site after all of the requirements of the permit are complied with.
Potential Sanitary Landfill Sites
The Board of Public Works hired Camp Dresser and McKee, Consulting Engineers
in 1963 to perform a Report on Refuse Disposal and possible sanitary landfill
sites. The investigations of this report revealed five possible locations as
shown in Figure 2. The results of the findings were as follows:
Site No. 1.
This is the present John Street sanitary fill area and is the only site
recommended for such use. The site is located directly across the street from
the Public Works Garage and now the Municipal Incinerator and recycling area.
This allows supervision and equipment to be readily available to the site at
all times and to properly control the operation to assure compliance with the
regulations of the State Department of Public Health. The existing site is
also totally within the industrial zone. Optimum utilization of this area should
be made.
Site No. 2.
This is the large meadow to the east of the junction of Wakefield and
Haverhill Streets and contains the Federal Government's Nike Site. The comments
on Site No. 3 apply to this site also. Site No. 2 and 3 are drained by the
Meadow Brook which flows into the Ipswich River. The possibility of contamina-
tion to the water supply of downstream communities constitutes a grave unacceptable
risk.
It would be possible to construct an access road from the Nike Site to some
high ground, about half a mile to the east. The road would be quite costly.
This area could be better developed as a light manufacturing area or for
recreational purposes, rather than for sanitary landfill.
Site No. 3.
This is the large meadow area to the east of junction of Franklin and
Haverhill Streets. This again is a large area with standing water, and it would
be difficult to drain properly.
Site No. 4.
This area is bounded by Haverhill, Charles and Salem Streets. The area is
centrally located and is ringed by residences. The assignment of this site
would probably find many residents in objection. The standing water in this
meadow would rule this site out for a sanitary landfill.
Site No. 5. (Town Gravel Pit)
The access to this area is relatively poor. The area is in the northwest
cornet of Reading and passes through some prime residential areas. The use of
this area for sanitary landfill would create a great amount of traffic that
would probably generate considerable protest. The possibility of contamination
to the water supply constitutes a grave risk.
The area is bounded generally by the Meadow Brook Golf Course, the Town's
water pumping station site, Route 93 and the Ipswich River. It is characterized
by high, narrow ridges, and meadows. The gravel pit area would be suitable for
the burning of stumps, brush and demolition lumber.
To the east of the gravel pit is some high ground that is a marginal
possibility for a sanitary landfill. The access is from the busily traveled Route
28 and down Sanborn Lane. Sanborn Lane is a narrow, poorly graded gravel road
that contains a scattering of dwellings.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 23, 1977
Current Sanitary Landfill Operations
The existing sanitary landfill site consists of 34/78 acres of industrial
zoned Town owned property which is located on John Street in the southerly part
of the Town. The land around the site is fairly well developed. Apartments
and residential homes are to the immediate north of the site and industrial
usage to the southeast and to the southwest across John Street. The only
undeveloped area is the generally low wooded area to the east of the existing
site. The southeast boundary of the property is the Reading-Wakefield Town
Line which runs approximately parallel to and about 250 feet from the right of way
line of Massachusetts Route 128.
The sanitary landfill site is currently being filled by an approved method
from the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering Division of General
Environmental Control. Plan #1 shows the three distinct areas of operation
along with the maximum fill elevations for each of the areas.
In accordance with the approved filling plan it is estimated that the
existing site will be at capacity in 3i years or by the fall of 1980.
Proposed Modification to the Existing Sanitary Landfill
In order to utilize the site to its maximum potential it will be necessary
to relocate the man-made ditches to the side property lines. This would allow
the existing ditch area to be used for valuable sanitary landfill purposes.
The new volume would allow the sanitary landfill operations to continue
for approximately 12� years or until 1989. At that time the site will have
approximately 25 acres of flat land. The proposed plan of the ditch relocation
along with the new maximum fill elevations is shown on Plan #2.
The proposed ditch as shown on the plan will also intercept the natural
runoff and divert the existing ditch flaw around the sanitary landfill site.
This will greatly reduce the possibility of contamination from leachants in the
landfill area. The new proposed ditches will also have have an impervious
lining which will act as a further safeguard from the detrimental leachant
action.
The diversion of the existing man-made ditches to the property Lines is
also consistant with the results of the Comprehensive Plan Study for the Dump
Site Re-use Analysis prepared for the Reading Planning Board by Sasaki Associates,
Incorporated, which indicates that the relocation will allow more flexibility
in future development potentials.
Proposed Police Station Site Impact
The proposed Police Station site in the existing sanitary landfill area
as shown on Plan 2A will result in the loss of one to one and one half years of
landfill volume. This would mean that the existing filling plan would be at
capacity by mid 1979 or early 1980.
The proposed Police Station site impact on the modified landfill procedure
with the ditches relocated will result in a year or a year and a half reduction in
the site therefore making the site at capacity around 1988.
Conclusions
The Town of Reading through its Dump Site Committee and the Board of
Public Works is constantly investigating alternatives of disposal of solid
wastes and will continue to do so. These investigations to date indicate that
the present incinerator operation together with the use of the sanitary landfill
site is still the most economical means of disposal open to the Town.
The Town will soon be faced, however, with no sanitary landfill site which
could be as early as 1979. It is therefore imperative that the Town actively
seek the best possible long range solution and be well informed of the costs
associated and arrangements required so that a smooth transition can be made.
This transition should be made when the alternatives become more economical
than the present operation or when the Town is forced into it due to the sanitary
landfill site being at capacity.
3°g
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 23, 1977
Recommendations
1. The ditch relocation should be made during FY-78 to allow for construction
time and stabilization of approximately one year for the ditch before
active sanitary landfilling will be allowed. This is very close to the
projected capacity of the existing area with no real safety factor.
2 Encourage the recycling effort for materials that enter the landfill site.
Dump Site Committee
Richard C. Evans
Paul C. Dustin
Peter Delgreco
Jean M. MacKilligan
Lawrence R. Blood
Walter F. Matson
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during
fiscal year 1977 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years, for goods
and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 13. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the Town raise
from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Six Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($4,650.) for the purchase of uniforms for the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 14. On motion of Richard J. Ogden 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 members of the Auxiliary Fire Service.
ARTICLE 15. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that the Town
raise from the tax levy and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Four Hundred
Dollars ($8,400.) for the purchase of uniforms for the Police Department.
ARTICLE 16. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the Town
authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow
money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year
beginning July 1, 1977 in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter
44, Section 4, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year,
and to renew any note or notes, as may be given for a period of less than one
year in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
ARTICLE 17. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the
Town delete in its entirety the present Gas Fee Schedule and substitute the
following:
Dwellings $ 10.00 for new installations, 1 or 2 fixtures
1.00 for each additional fixture
5.00 additional work
Commercial $ 10.00 New installations up to 3 outlets
2.00 each additional unit of work
5.00 work after initial installation
Re-inspections Not to exceed $15.00 or value of permit
Re-tests $ 5.00 Minimum
Tanks $ 8.00 for 1 or 2 tanks #100 or smaller
(larger tanks $8.00 and submit Plans)
(if installed under same permit, and
inspected at the same time $2.00)
f. 'JO
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Parker Junior High School Auditorium May 26, 1977
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at
8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by Rev. Robert A. Walsh, O.S.A. , of Austin
Preparatory School, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 29. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate or
appropriate from available funds, or otherwise, to be expended by the Conservation
Commission under General Laws Chapter 40, Section SC, as amended, for the purpose
of maintaining, designing, improving and constructing facilities for the
utilization of the following described parcel of Land, and to 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 issuance
of bonds or notes of the Town therefor; and, to authorize the Conservation
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.
A certain parcel of land shown as lot 37 on the Reading Assessor's Plat
number 35, containing 13.8 acres more or less.
On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 30. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the
tax levy or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate to be
expended under the direction of the Conservation Commission for the purpose of
wetlands identification, delineation and evaluation.
On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 31. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr. it was voted that the Town
instruct Representative Nils L. Nordberg, its representative in the Great and
General Court, to file the necessary legislation to rescind the action of the
Town Meeting taken May 24, 1961, adopting and accepting the provisions of
General Laws, Chapter 33, Section 59.
ARTICLE 32. On motion of Dorothy M. Anderson it was voted that the Town
amend General By-Laws Article II, Section 1, Rule 7 of the By-Laws of the Town
by deleting said rule and inserting in place thereof the following new rule:
"Rule 7. When a question is put, the vote on all matters shall be taken
by a show of hands and the Moderator shall declare the vote as it appears to him.
If the Moderator is unable to decide the vote by the show of hands, or if his
decision is immediately questioned by seven (7) or more members, he shall
determine the question by ordering a standing vote and he shall appoint tellers
to make and return the count directly to him. On request of not less than twenty
(20) members a vote shall be taken by roll call."
as amended by Nancy Wilson Anderson
ARTICLE 33. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr^it was voted that the Town
emend the the General By-Laws of the Town, Article XI, by deleting said Article
in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following new article:
"Article XI. Council on Aging.
Section 1. The Council on Aging shall consist of ten members appointed by
L the Board of Selectmen. All members shall be citizens of the town and at least
two members shall be over 65 years of age. The Council shall meet and organize
as soon as possible after July 1 of each year. At said meeting it shall elect
its own chairman and any other officers it may deem necessary to conduct its
business.
The term of appointment for all members shall be for three years and shall
expire on the first day of July except the members of the Council shall be
appointed initially as follows: four members for the term of three years, three
for the term of two years and three for the term of one year. Annually thereafter
three or four members shall be appointed for the term of three years as the term
of office of three or four members expire. The Council may appoint such clerks
and other employees as it may require.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 26, 1977
Section 2. If any member of the Council is absent from two (2) or
more successive meetings or more than four (4) meetings in one year the other
members of said Council may, by affirmative vote of its majority, request the
Board of Selectmen to remove such absenting member from his membership and the
Board of Selectmen may thereafter so remove such member and shall notify such
member by mail of such removal.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Council to carry out programs
designed to meet the problems of the aging in the Community.
ARTICLE 34. To see if the Town will amend the last sentence of Section 7,
clause (I) - "Longevity" of Article XXIV of the By-Laws of the Town by adding
the following words "or upon termination by death or by retirement", so as to
read "Amounts payable annually on the first pay day in December or upon termina-
tion by death or retirement", or to take any other action with respect thereto.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that Article 34 be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 35. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend
"Section 3 - Personnel Board" in accord with Article )XIV of the By-Laws of the
Town, as follows:
By deleting the first paragraph and inserting in its stead:
"To administer this By-Law, there shall be a Personnel Board, hereinafter
called the Board, consisting of five members appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
One member of the Finance Committee, to be chosen by the Finance Committee,
shall act as liaison between the Board and Committee, and shall attend Board
meetings as a non-voting observer. All members shall be citizens of the Town,
but shall not be Town Officers, nor employees of the Town, nor members of any
standing board, commission or committee of the Town, except that any or all may
be Town Meeting Members. All members shall serve without compensation.
ARTICLE 36. Move that the land and building known as the Lowell Street
School be and hereby is transferred to the Board of Selectmen.
On motion of William C. Brown it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr, it was voted that the Town instruct
Representative Nils L. Nordberg and Senator William Saltonstall to vote against
all legislation extending compulsory legislation for police and fire salaries and
that they be further instructed to vote to uphold the veto of such legislation in
the event such legislation is vetoed by the governor, and that a copy of this
instruction be immediately submitted to Governor Dukakis.
ARTICLE 3. It was moved by John Zorabedian, Jr. that the Board of Library
Trustees and the Board of Selectmen actively seek alternative proposals prior to
the awarding of contracts for architectural and engineering services for which
funding was authorized under Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting of May 19, 1977.
This motion did not pass.
ARTICLE 3. It was moved by Beverly B. Seavey that at such time as the
application for Library funding is made that the Selectmen withdraw their applica-
tion for funding for the Police Station.
This motion did not pass.
On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table.
ARTICLE 38. It was moved by Virginia M. Adams that the Board of Selectmen
be instructed to lease the Reading Depot to the Reading Heritage Museum Corporation,
for one year, commencing July 1, 1977, at an annual rental of One Hundred Dollars
($100.00) .
This motion did not pass.
00305
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 26, 1977
ARTICLE 39. 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 operating the Reading Youth Office at the Reading Community Center,
under the direction of the Selectmen, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Stephen G. Viegas it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
ARTICLE 40. 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 operating a youth program and/or youth center at the Reading
Community Center, under the direction of the Selectmen, or what it will do in
relation thereto.
On motion of Stephen G. Viegas it was voted that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
It was moved by Virginia M. Adams that the vote under Article 38 be
reconsidered.
This motion to reconsider Article 38 failed to pass.
71 voted in the affirmative
58 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
ARTICLE 41. It was moved by Richard A. Nihan, Jr. that the Town authorize
the Board of Selectmen to convey upon such terms as they shall consider proper, to
Thomas L. McManus and Rose M. McManus, the following described land:
"Beginning at a point on the northerly sideline of John Street which is
north westerly from the town line dividing Reading and Wakefield one hundred
forty-nine and twenty-eight hundredths feet (149.28') more or less;
THENCE running northwesterly along said sideline of John Street one hundred
r seventy-four and sixty-four hundredths feet (174.64') more or less to a point;
LTHENCE turning and running northeasterly sixty-five feet (65') more or
less to a point on the sideline of a fifteen foot (15') wide buffer strip;
THENCE turning and running southeasterly along said sideline seventy-four
feet (74') more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running easterly along said sideline three hundred
ninety feet (390' ) more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running southeasterly sixty feet (60' ) more or leas to
a point on said town line which is northerly from the northerly sideline of John
Street six hundred twenty-six and five tenths (626.5') ;
THENCE turning and running southwesterly along said town line three hundred
five feet (305' ) more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running more southwesterly eighty-eight and sixty-nine
hundredths feet (88.69') more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running northwesterly forty-three and sixty-four hundredths
feet (43.64') more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running southwesterly one hundred and sixty-two hundredths
feet (100.62') more or less to a point;
THENCE turning and running southerly one hundred sixty-one and seventy-six
hundredths feet (161.76') more or less to the point of beginning.
Said parcel of land containing 50,800 S.F. more or less."
The minimum price for such conveyance shall be Sixty-Six Thousand Dollars
($66,000.00) .
This motion did not pass.
65 voted in the affirmative
53 voted in the negative
(2/3 vote required)
336
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 26, 1977
On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted to take Article 26 from the table.
ARTICLE 26. On motion of Carl A. Beaulieu it was voted that the provisions
of Article 43 of the 1967 Annual Town Meeting pertaining to the composition of the
membership of the School Construction Committee be amended by deleting the clause
"one member of the Finance Committee chosen by it", and by inserting after the
word "Town", and before the word, "to", the clause "who may be members of the
Reading School Committee", so that the part pertaining to membership will read
as follows:
. .said Committee to consist of one member of the School Committee chosen
by it, one member of the Board of Public Works chosen by it, and four citizens
of the Town, who may be members of the Reading School Committee, to be appointed
by the Moderator, vacancies from time to time to be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment.
On motion of W. Bruce MacDonald it was voted to take Article 27 from the table.
ARTICLE 27. On motion of Carl A. Beaulieu it was voted that the sum of
✓Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and added
to the balance of the funds appropriated under Article 4 of the Adjourned Annual
Town Meeting of May 27, 1976 and appropriated for the purpose of repairing a
concrete condition at the Reading Memorial High School. Such sums totaling Forty-
eight Thousand One Hundred Seventy-four and 55/100 Dollars ($48,174.55) to be
expended by and under the direction of the School Construction Committee.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to take Article 11 from the table.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that Article 11 be indefinitely
postponed.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that Harold B. Currell
and Irving C. Dickey, Jr. , be appointed Measurers of Lumber and Measurers of Wood
and Bark.
ARTICLE 3. It was moved by Walter F. Matson that the Town seek to establish
an Area Committee, and the Selectmen appoint two (2) people from this town to
contact other area towns to seek people to represent their selectmen and towns,
to plan and push for improved public transportation.
This motion failed to pass.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that Article 3 be indefinitely
postponed.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was given by Frank A. Smith, Jr.
In response to Mr. Brown's question, the Town of Reading is obligated to
provide to the META and its patrons the same service as required under the
conveyance by the B & M to the Town of Reading, as all obligations passed to the
B & M successor.
This report was accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that Article 2 be indefinitely
postponed.
On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned, sine die, at 10:54 P. M.
134 Town Meeting members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
Lawrence Drew
Town Clerk