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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-03-16 Annual Town Meeting Minutes 24 Annual Town Election March 2 , 1970 Nathan C. White 429 Emily Colbert 286 Richard P. Fotino, Sr. 210 Duane B. Heineck 355 Warren T. Woods 299 Blanks 5513 Total 12801 'Down Meeting Member for one year - Vote for two Frederick R. Boyle 201 Jerome R. Cagnina, Jr. 112 Harry M. Johnson, Jr. 195 Neil H. Murray 256 George B. Newell 303 Blanks 439 Total 1506 The polls were closed at 8: 00 P. M. i,.ith the following results: Whole number of votes cast 2822. The votes were declared in Open Town Meeting, sealed in ballot envelopes and transmitted to the Town Clerk to be placed in the vault for safe keeping. Voted to adjourn, 10: 30 P. N:. , March 2, 1970. A true record. Attest: l f Lawrence Lence Drew Town Clerk ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Memorial High School Auditorium March 16 , 1970 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8: 00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Frederick B. Pneuman of the Old South United Mthodist Church. The newly elected Town Meeting Members were sworn in by the Moder- ator. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk when, on motion of Fred C. Kenney, 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. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, J , it was voted that Article 2 be taken from the table. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that Article 2 be laid on the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the following persons be chosen to serve as treasurers of Lumber for the ensuing year: Harold B. Currell Irving E. Dickey, Jr. and that the following persons be chosen to serve as Measurers of Wood and Bark for the ensuing year. : Harold B. Currell Irving E. Dickey, Jr. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted to place Article 3 on the table. Annual Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 9 - On motion of Charles Stratton it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Albert J. Schneider, Chairman of the Conservation Commission: A report of Land Transferred to the Reading Conservation Commission as requested at the November 1969 Special Town Meeting: Parcel 411 3. 302 acres , a part of Dividence Meadow, was dedicated to the Town Forest Committee. Article 78 at Regular Town Meeting 1967. Parcel #2 - Portion of Nike Site (Cons. #95) in Cedar Swamp - Regular Town Meeting 1968 7.9 acres Parcel -#3 - Cook Lot - Cedar Swamp - Plat 199 , Lot 1 Article 56 Town Meeting March 1969 10, acres Parcel ;#4 - John White Lot - Cedar Swamp - Plat 125 , Lot 2 - Special Town Meeting June 1969 2. 25acres Parcel #5 - Hurd Lot - Timber Neck Swamp - Plat 108, Lot 10, Regular Town Meeting 1969 7. 365acres Parcel #6 - Thomas Lot - Willow Street, Opposite Ent, to Austin Prep. - Plat 81 , Lot 20 Special Town Meeting June 1969 1.00 acres Parcel 40 - Mill Street - Parcels A, B and C, Special Town Meeting November 1969 2. 2 acres Parcel ' 8 West# - e. t of Haverhill Street - Plat 183, Lot 1 , Special Town Meeting November 1969 2.66lacres Total 34. 376 acres (Approximate location of these parcels Ehown on attached map) On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that report be accepted as report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by James , J. Sullivan, Jr. , Chairman of the Finance Committee: Before beginning your deliberations on the 1970 Annual Warrant, the Finance Committee would like to take a moment to look back and review the effort necessary in putting this report before you for your consideration. This year in particular has been a most difficult one. Most budgets were incomplete and late in arriving due to wage negotiations , which were com- pleted in some cases just before our report went to press or as in one case, voted upon this very evening. This in obviously not the best way to prepare a budget when we are talking about appropriations reaching the $9 , 000, 000,00 . mark. It is the hope and strong recommendation of this committee that wage negotiations will begin at an early date in the future, so that all budgets will be completed and available for early review. This is not intended to say or suggest in any way that the Finance Committee has acted in haste in order to perform its duties, but only to serve as notice of the need for all departments to start early so that we may all do a better job. The prime function of your Finance Committee is to review each budget as a separate item and then its part in the total budget and finally re- porting its recommendations. It is the latter that presents the most dif- ficult task and this year was no exception. Our recommendations are based on need, priority, impact, short and long term, and many other considerations arrived at after much discussion with the various boards involved, either directly, through our sub-committees or as in most cases with both. Our sub-committees have sat in on the regular meetings of all major boards during this past year in our continuing effort of stay informed. In the past we have predicted the effect that labor negotiations , ex- panded programs and capital expenditures would have on our tax tate in the years ahead. Unfortunately our predictions have been reasonably ac- curate. L Annual Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 Now let us look at the present and into the future. If the recom- mendations of your Finance Committee are followed, as amended earlier this evening, in the report before you, our estimate of the 1970 tax rate is $41. 52 , an increase of $7.85 ner thousand. At first glance it would seem that this is an increase of only $7.02, but as we stated in our report general assessments , we are told, will increase approximately $3,000, 0004008., , which will affect some if not all of us in additional costs that will amount to $. 83 per thousand, thereby producing a true out of the pocket estimate of $7.85. Assuming the: Board of Public Works is able to go forward with its plans for the incinerator, we can expect this figure to increase by an additional $. 75 , giving us a final estimate of $43.10 or an increase of $8. 60. Looking ahead to 1971 we will face an even greater increase in our tax bill , as a result of programs to which we as a town have already committed ourselves. We are going to feel the full impact of School , ' Sewer and possibly incineration construction as well as that portion of salaries negotiated this year and payable next. Out estimate of the tax increase in 1971 , based on these figures, and the normal increases in government would be $12.00 to $13. 00. - In closing the Finance Committee strongly recommends that each of you in your deliberations and final vote keep in mind the total budget and our ability to pay. We have already mortgaged a substantial portion of our future earnings. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that report be ac- cepted as a report of progress. On motion of Robert M. Graham it was voted to take un Article 53. ARTICLE 53. Robert M. Graham moved that Article 53 be indefinitely postponed. On motion of Robert M. Graham it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by William H. Parker, III for the Planning Board: On February 23, 1970, at 8: 00 P. M. , the Planning Board held a pub- lic hearing, as required under Chapter 40A, Section 6 of the General Laws pursuant to proposed changes in the Zoning By-Laws. The proposed changes were presented by the Planning Board and ex- plained. The major point discussed was the removal of business uses within an industrial zone. It was pointed out that this change, if made at this time, will affect two businesses planned for construction in an industrial zone. The Board promised to review this problem prior to Town Meeting. A poll of those present was conducted and the majority were in favor. It is the opinion of this Board that these changes are in the best interest of the Town, and it recommends that the Town act favorably to these changes. Reading Planning Board Edward J. Taylor, Jr. , Chmn Robert W. Fasciano Russell H. Stone Melvin E. Jones William H. Parker, III y On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that report be ac- 1 cepted as report of progress. �/■ On motion of P'red C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted to place Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 53. On motion of Gilbert M. Lothron it was voted to place Article 53 on the table and take up in proper order. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted to take up Article 68. Annual Town Meeting March 16, 1970 2 7 ARTICLE 68. On motion of David C. Starkey it was voted that the official classification nlans, schedules and regulations under Article XVIII-A of General By-Laws of the Town be amended as follows by striking out the wage and salaries classification therein appearing and substitut- ing the following: SALARY GRADE Labor Grade_ Point Rance Base Salary Max. Salary 1 1.59 S 70. 74 $ 88. 42 2 160-174 75. 69 94.62 3 175-189 80.99 101. 24 4 190-204 86. 67 108. 32 5 205-219 91 .63 114. 52 6 220-234 96.85 121.07 7 235-249 102. 39 128.00 8 250-264 108. 25 135. 31 9 265-279 114.44 143.04 10 280-294 120.98 151. 23 11 295-309 127.89 159.86 12 310-324 135. 20 168.99 13 325-339 142. 94 178.67 14 340-354 151.12 188.90 15 355-369 159. 76 199. 70 16 370-384 1.68.90 211.12 17 385-399 178. 54 223.19 18 400-414 188. 77 235.96 19 415-429 199. 20 249.45 20 430-444 210.97 263. 70 21 445-459 223. 01 278. 77 22 460-474 235. 78 294. 73 23 475-489 249. 26 311. 58 24 490-504 263. 52 329. 39 25 505-519 278. 59 348. 24 26 520-534 294. 54 368.17 27 535-549 311. 95 389.95 SECTION I - CLERICAL EMPLOYEES Hourly Job Title Labor Grade i:inimum Maximum Junior Clerks 2 82.02 $2.52 Senior Clerks B 5 2.44 3. 05 Senior Clerks A 6 2. 58 3. 22 Hearing Reporter 7 2. 73 3.41 Collector' s Admin. Asst. 8 2.87 3. 61 Assessors ' Admin. Asst. 11 3.41 4. 26 Asst. Town Clerk 11 3. 41 4. 26 SECTION II - SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES Supervisor 20 Supt. (Cemetery Dept. ) 20 Superintendent (Tree & Moth Dept. ) 19 SECTION III - PUBLIC LIBRARY Head Librarian 21 Librarian, Grade 1 16 Librarian, Grade II 14 Librarian, Grade III 12 Library Assistant 7 Library Clerk 4 Library Hourly Employees 1. 25 2.45 SECTION IV - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING Sunerintendent 27 Asst. Sunerintendent 23 Civil Engineer 22 Supervisor 20 Pumping Station Engineer 19 Asst. Civil Engineer 17 Land Surveyor 14 3. 78 4. 72 Administrative Assistant 14 3. 78 4. 72 Senior Draftsman 11 3. 20 4.00 Transitman 11 3. 20 4.00 Administrative Clerk 9 2.86 3.58 Junior Draftsman 7 2. 56 3. 20 Rodman 6 2.42 3.03 2�i Annual Town Meeting March 16, 1970 SECTION V CEMETERY - PUBLIC WORKS - TREE & MOTH DEPARTMENTS (COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT) Actual Paid Rate Weekly Mechanic $170.00 Foreman 161 .00 Heavy F.auipment Operator 151 .00 Asst. Pump. Sta. Eng. 151 .00 Working Foreman 151 .00 Skilled Labor 136. 00 Dump Caretaker 122. 00 Meter Repairman 122. 00 Semi-skilled Laborer 122. 00 Laborer. 108. 00 Seasonal Laborer 86. 00 _ SECTION VI - POLICE DEPARTMENT Job Title Labor Grade Mini.munHou Qa�imum Chief 23 Liehtenant 19 Sergeant 18 Patrolman Inspector 15 $8, 216* $8,944** Police Matron 2.94 per hr. * Hiring Salary ** Salary after 1 yr. employment SECTION VI - FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief 22 Deputy Chief 19 Captain 18 Lieutenant 15 Private 8, 216* 8, 944** Call Men - Full Time - 24 hours 436.80 annuallv Call Has - Half Time 218.40 annually *Hiring Salary **Salary after 1 y emplovment SECTION VIII - FIRE ALARM DEPARTMENT Lineman 11 3. 20 4.00 Groundman 7 2. 56 3. 20 SECTION IX - GENERAL GOVERNMENT Annually Hourly Min. Nax. Min. Max. Town Accountant 17 Executive Secretary $4, 500 $7, 500 Supt. of Buildings 15 Janitor A 8 2. 71 3. 38 and that section labeled "Overtime" be amended by striking out the sentence followinq the words respective department and aubstituting therefor the following: "Overtime at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate shall be paid for all hours in excess of eight hours in any work day or in excess of forty hours in any work week. Two or more types of overtime pay shall not be applied to the same hours worked; instead pay shall be computed on that basis which will yield the greater amount" , and that paragraph three of section entitled a "Vacations" be amended by striking out the words and numbers twenty J therein appearing and substituting therefor the words fifteen so that said section reads as follows: "Four weeks vacation with pay will be granted within each calendar year to all full-time employees who have completed fifteen years of continuous service. Eligibility for the fourth week of vacation commences upon the completion of fifteen years of service. " Annual Town 1"Peting March 16, 1970 �) l) ARTICLE 4. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , as amended by Francis H. Doughty and James J. SullivF.n, Jr. , it was voted that the sum, of One Hundred Eighty-five Thousand, Three Hundred Fifty-six ,-nd 68/100 ($185 , 356. 68) 1)017.=rs be r;dsed from the te:x levy ;--no anpronri- ` ated. for General Government as follows, each item being considered as separate appropriation: Selectmen' s Clerical $ 3, 000.00 Executive Secretary' s Se,l-:'ry 5 , 000.00 Selectmen' s Expense 3, 090.00 Accountania Saler 9 , 360.00 Accou nt a.its Clerical 2 ,000. 00 Accountent!s Expense ( including trrvel outside the State, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 1 ,400. 00 Treasurer' s Sal.,,ry 5, 000. 00 Treasurer ' s Clerical 6, 750. 61 Treasurer' s Expense 3, 500.00 Collector ' s Salary (All fees collected to be rwid to the 'Sown Treasu_:. er) 6, 400.00 Collector' s Cleric,l 17, 085.06 Collector' s Expense 3 , 500. 00 Assessors- Salaries: Chain:i_=.n 1 , 500.00 Secretary 1 , 500.00 Third Flembcr 1 , 500.00 4, 500.00 Assessors ' Clerical 18, 080.00 Assessors ' {E{--�xnense (including travel outside the pppp0 As seaso,-sqoAnporaiserca Tao Hurdred Doll:zrs ) 1 LAW DEPARTMENT 5 To-,:n Counsel ' s Salory 9 , 250.00 Town Counsel Is Exnense 5 , 500. 00 Special Counsel 0.00 Land Court Exnense 700. 00 Recordinq Fees 150.00 Anpraisal Fees 750.00 Profession;:l Fees and Dues 150.00 Town Clerk ' s Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasures) 4, 775 .00 Town Clerk' s Clerical 9 , 130. 00 Town Clerk' s Expense (including travel outside the State, not to exceed Cour Hundred Dollars) 3 , 500. 00 Boe,rd. of Registrors - Salary 5 , 000.00 Board of Registrars - Expense 400.00 Election & Registration Expense 9 , 500.00 Board of Appeals Exnense 1 , 110.00 Planning Board Expense 850. 00 Clerk of Finance Committee 900. 00 Finance Committee Expense 250. 00 Personnel Board Expense 50. 00 MUNICIPAL BUILDING SALARIES Superintendent of Buildings 8, 122. 39 Town Hall Custodie.n 6, 565.06 Police Station Custodian 1 , 236.06 MUNICIPAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE Town Heli 5 , 305. 00 boost 1 , 590. 00 Police St,.tion 2 , 030.00 $ 185, 356.18 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was vot od that the sum of One Million Forty-six Thousand 'three Hundred Forty-two and 99/100 ($1 , 046, 342,99) Anllarm be raised from the tax levy and appro- pria.ted for Protection of Persons and Propertv as follows, each item beinq considered as a separate appropriation: JU Annual Town meeting ,larch 16 , 1970 Police Dept. Salaries $ 392, 7;3.80 Police Dept. Pensions 2, 640.46 Police Dept. Maintenance (includino tra.vcl outside State, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 31 , 000.00 Police Dept. New Uniforms 6, 475.00 Police Dept. Reserve Uniforms 1 , 000.00 New Cruising Cars 4, 500.00 Traffic Controls , School 24, 080. 00 Fire Dept. Salaries 426, 321. 00 Fire Dept. Callmen 3 , 000.00 Fire Dept. Pensions 14, 278. 73 Fire Dept. I•Iaintenance ( including trc,.vel outside State, not to exceed Two Hundred j Dollars) 22 , 000.00 J Fire Station Maintenance 6,860.00 Fire Alarm Plaint. Set?ries 5 , 000.00 Fi;e Elarm tleint. Expense 2 , 715.00 Fire Dent. New Uniforms 1 , 550.00 Fire Dept. Radio, New 750.00 Forestry Dent. Salary 51 , 059.00 Forestry Dept. Exnense 11 , 500.00 Hvdra.nt Rentals 24, 640.00 Drinking Fountain 100.00 Insnector of Buildings Salory -. 6, 100.00 Inspector of Buildinaa Expense 900.00 Insnector of [Fires Salary 2 , 000.00 Inspector of Wires Expense 1 , 000.00 Ges Inspector ' s Salary 1 , 000.00 Gas Inspector' s Expense 100.00 Sealer of Weights F: Nees. Salary 1 ,140.00 Sealer. of Weights G Mets. Expense 350. 00 Dog Officer ' s Salary 750. 00 Dog Officer' s Expense 750.00 Total $1 , 046, 342.99 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert W. Wakeling it was voted that the sum of Seventy-seven Thousand Fifty-seven Hundred and 00/100 Dcllars ($77 , 057.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Health V and Sanitation as follows , each item being considered as a sena-ate appropriation: Board of Health Salary $ 5 , 257.00 Boa.zd of 11ealth Expense 1 ,000.00 Health Agent' s Salary 9 , 750.00 Inspector of Plumbing Salary 2 , 500.00 Inspector of Animals 550.00 Care of Contagious Diseases 6,000.00 Garbage Collection 52 , 000.00 Total $ 77, 057.00 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the sum of Eighty-eight Thousand Seven Hundred Eiqhty-three Dol- lars ($88, 763.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Veterans ' Benefits as follows , each item being considered as a separ- ate appropriation: Administrative Salaries $ 7 , 763.00 Administrative Expense 1 , 000.00 Aid 80 , 000.00 Total $ 88, 783.00 On motion of Donald K. Wrilker it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Donald K. Walker, Chair- man of the School Committee: SPECIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE - DOUBLE SESSIONS This resort has been prepared in response to the resolution adopted by the Special Town Meeting of November 13 , 1969 , which instructed the School Committee to investigate alternatives to double sessions at Reading Memorial High School for the school year 1970-1971 and to re- port back at the Annual Town Reetina. F.nnual Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 7 Your School Committee has re-examined and. discussed in depth all reasonable interim e.lternatives to cope with our severe secondary school overcrowding oroblest. These alternatives include cortinuation with our present organization and space for another year or two, extended sessions at both junior highs as well as the high school , double sessions at the high school o- at the high school plus both junior highs , the addition of varying numbers of portable classrooms , and even a six day school week. We have concluded that we cannot continue for the school year 1970- 1971 with our current organization and space. This year we have an en- rollment of 1 , 244 at the high school as compared to an estim ted capacity of 1 ,000 to 1 , 100; 728 enrolled at the Parker Jr. High z.s compared to a c ,nacity of 500 to 550; and 696 are at Coolidge Jr. High which has a rated capacity of 550 to 600. Thus we have c totpl secondary school en- rollment of 2 , 668 crammed into a rated c ,pacity of 2,050 to 2 , 250. We are 20 to 30 percent overcrowded this year. Our pupil-teacher ratios are being limited by the 1,.:ck of space to conduct classes; e.no we are even forced to =.chedule half periods around our cafeteria 7.imitation,.. Next year, in spite of the expected enrollment of approximately 70 students at the new regicnal vocational school , we anticip-te even more evercrowdina Et the secondary level due to this year' s 1 rue sixth grade, expected further emigration of school age children into town, and the closing of St. Agnes Parochial School . Extended sessions at both junior highs .nu the hinh school have been examined and rejected primarily because they have most of the disadvantages of double sessions and, in addition, would affect the younger seventh and eighth graders. Thev al.^,o present severe student handling problems since, c..= crossed to a. campus situ,-.tion, pre iic,vc no place to accomodate students while they ere not in class. Our ocson, ble .-.lternptives thus seem to be limited to either double sessions or the addition of portable or relocatpble classrooms. Ground- rules ana key positive and negative features of these two alternatives are summarized as follows : 9P 1. PORTABLE CLASSROOD'.S Groundrules 1. Minimum requirements - 13 units 4 at Parker 3 at Coolidge 6 at High School 2. Where possible, egui.p with furniture to be purchased early from funds allocated for equipping the high school addition. 3. Connect to main sc},.00l to provide accessibility durina inclement weather. 4. Provide spice for toilets to be added later to enable future relocation and use as elementary or kindergarten space. B. Advantages 1 . Retains current definition and length of school day. 2. Avoids problem of children commuting after dark during winter months. C. Disadvantages 1. Provides space only, but not function. Educational urogram would still be limited by sp:,ce inadeauacies in science, home economics , art, shop, physical edu- cation and cafeteria. 2. Results in a fully utilized high school during conshac- tion period; causes interference with construction and lack of flexibility to accommodzte renovations to exist- inn buildinn_ . 3. Location of portables at high school unwieldy due to disruption caused by construction. i 3 2 Annual Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 II. DOUBLE SESSIONS A. Groundrules 1. Bove 9th grade to hiqh school . Ooer ate Parker and Coolidoo as 2-Veer schools with enrollments within building capacities. 2. Schedule arc:des 11 ena 1.2 for 7: 30-12:00; grades 9 and 10 for 12: 10-4:40. Provide for 6 class perinds for both morning and e.fternoon sessions. Use periods between 11 :15 and 1 :00 for courses and activities normally drawing heavily from all four grades. 3. Use Parker and Coolidge athletic facilities to augment those at high school. 4. Suspend list lunch proaram at high school to enable maximum class time. B. Advantages 1. Disrupts a smaller number of students; grades 9 through 12 rather than 7 through 12. 2. Allows special areas at the high school such es sciences , home economics , ort, shop, and physical education to be used for a 9-how: school day. At the junior highs , only two grades would be using the limited, special areas previously serving three Grades. 3. Allows an easier mid year transition to the new high school addition if its opening is delayed beyond September 1971. C. Disadvantages 1 . Reduce:; instructional time per cl .ss period from 46 to 40 minutes . 2. Exposes some ,student; to education during so-called "non-crime" time in afternoon :.fter a. morning of other r.ctivities . 3. Requires children attending the afternoon Session to .-,alk home from school in twilight or ar.rkness during December and Janulrv. 4. Makes scheduling of athletic practices and games more difficult. Your School Committee, after examinina the many interrelated factors , has concluded that the double sessions alternative: is the least distaste- ful of our limited and less than satisfectory choices. We are not on- Dosed to portable classrooms and indeed mei-y be recommendinq their nur- chase in the next few years if we are not able to expand our facilities in time to meet state imposed requirements for public kinderanrtens. However, we feel that they are not demonstrably the best solution to our current, snecific space problem and represent increased cost to the town. We have prepared two potential amendments to the appropriation we shall reauest under Article 4. One of these would increase our general maintenance budget request by $294, 000 to be raised from the tax rate; the other would raise $64,000 from the tax rate and $230, 000 by borrow- inq for a period of five years. If the town meeting chooses to adopt wither of these alternatives , we shill attempt to order and install the thirteen portable classrooms in time for the opening of school next September. (S) Donald R. Walker Nancy E. Elaart Robert A. Muir Kenneth P. Roberts ARTICLE 2. The followina report was read by Frank A. Smith, Jr. , Member of the Reading School Committee: � . Annua Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 MINORITY REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE - OVERCROWDING I would like to make it clear that this position I have now taken represents a complete chance from my previous stand. On November 3, 1969, I recorded and voted for the motion to establish double sessions. Later in Aeceraber I voted with the majority of the School Committee to re,.ffi.rm that decision. On March 9, 1970, I reversed my position and hence this Minority Report. On March 9, 1970, the me.jorj.ty of the Reedinq School Committee, by a 4 to I vote, approved a Special Report of the School Committee; Sub- ject - Double Sessions , wherein the majority concluded that double ses- cions were a better solution to the High School overcrowding than were portable classrooms. The following report is presented by the minority membership of the School Committee, dissenting from the corclusj.on con- tained in the majority report. It is the conclusion of the minority that portable classrooms represent the best educational and most econom- ical solution to the existina overcrowding. The minority concurs in the factual presentation of the oroundrules, advantages and disadvantages contained in the majority report. However, evalution of each of these f+..ctors , in the light of the educational needs of the children of Reading and the financial resources of the town, leads to the inevitable conclusion that portable classrooms, and not double sessions , offer the best choice to the Town. The first advantr,ce lic+ted in the report on portables is that they 'retain the current definition and length of the school day" . What this means in terms of educational opportunity is that all children attend school during the prime morning hours of the day, and in the case of high school students are scheduled for G periods of 46 minutes rather than 6 periods of 40 minutes; a difference of over 2 hours per day. The second advantage: avoiding the problem of children commuting ..fte: dark, which would be necessary with double sessions , needs no fur- ther elaboa.tion. Not includedin the majority report are the two distinct advantages of not havina to be ccnco-red with difficult scheduling of ath- 1W letics , and not having to be concerned with schedulinq students for late r-fte_noon classes. Both of these <-re me.tters of concern and are disadven- taces of double sessions. The majority lists as a disadvantage of portables space inadequacies in science, home economics , art, shop, physical education, and cafeteria areas , and states that these could only be overcome at additional expense of special added equipment and fuinishinas. Factually, if potables ere obtained two existing classrooms can be converted to science labs using equipment monies from the High School addition bond money, and obtaining the equipment one year earlier. In addition, all these special facility needs can be resolved by providing additional class periods beyond the normal closing time. The next two disadvantages, presented in the majority report, are re- lated to the construction of the addition and specifically refer to "inter- ference with construction and lac L- of flexibility to accommodate renova- tions to the existing huildinrl and the "location of portables. . . (being) unwieldy due to disruption caused by construction. " These disadvantages are ir'r'elevant in that the contractor bid on the contract knowing full well that the building would have to be utilized during the construction period. A very simple solution for him is to build the new classroom wind, library and field house while schools are in session, and work on renovations when school is not in session and after campletion of the new class Brooms. As an advantage to double sessions the majority report refers to dis- rupting arzdes 9 through 12 rather than 7 through 12. This, however, is an advantage over double sessions at all three schools and not over port- ableswhich do not disrupt any grades, had emphasis should he made that double sessions do disrupt. The second advantage to double sessions offered by the majority is the availability of "specie]. a eas , such as science, home economics, art, shop and physical. education for a 9 hour school day instead of the normal 6- 3/4 hours" . But this is not really an e.avantame over any other alterna- tive, as these facilities can be m=.de available for 9 hours unc.er any plan, 34 P.nnual Town Meeting March 16 , 1970 including portables. A real disadvantage is that the snecizl faci- lities will be utilized by 1 , 800 students under double sessions ana only 1 , 350 students e;ith Dortehles , thereby providing better utili- zation per student with portables. The third advantage; a7.l oc-s zr easier mid-yeas t=sition to the new high school addition' is hardly worthy of note. The first disadvrnteae of double sessions listed in the majority report is the educational crux of whole mattes. whether it is stated that class periods are reduced from S to 6 per day or instruction times are reduced from 46 minutes to 40 minutes per period they_-e is a significant loss of instructional times over the school year; 25% if measured in terms of lost ci,.ss periods, and 13% if movsured in terms of .reduced instruction tire. Extending the conservative 13% lest time to days we get 24 lost days. This should be an unacceptable choice to any School Committee if there is a reasonable E+l.ternative, and it should be particularly repulsive to a School Committee that one ve.:r ago refused, for educr,.tional reasons , to request a. wEi.ver of even 1 school day due to inclement weather. The other disadvantages of double sessions, included in the majority report, are reel but not significant in light of the aforementionea overwhelming disadvantaae. These are: the requirement that children commute in the darkness• the difficult scheduling of athletic prr_.ctices and games; and the necessity to schedule students for non-prime educa- tion time in the afternoon - these certainly are disadvantages. The minority concludes therefore that from an educational viewpoint there is only one acceptable solution, and that solution is portable classrooms. The other factor, worthy and necessary of consideration, is the cost. This has been ascertained to be $250 , 000; bonded over 5 years, if desired. The majority of the committee reports that it is "not op- posed to portable classrooms and indeed may be recommending their pur- chase in the next few years: for kindergartens. The minority of the committee unequivocally states that the only way the Town of Reeding will meet the kindergarten requirements of the Commonwealth by 1973 is with portable classrooms. Therefore, portables purchased now to resolve the overcrowding at the high school will be utilized. in 1972 or 1973 to pro- vide the required kindercaten space. In the same manner that the School Committee advised the Town, relat- ing to the high school addition, that delays would cost additional money due to rapidly rising construction costs, so the Town should now be aware that delavina purchase of portables until 1973 is going to cost the Town xd additional sums of money also. Purchase of portables now to resolve the overcrowding is the only sound conclusion from both an educational and economic,-.1 standpoint. The minority membership respectfully submits to the Town Meeting therefore, that the conclusion of the majority is in error. Of my colleagues on the School Committee I ask: Did we mein it on July 7 , 1969 , when we unanimously adopted the General Philosophy of the Re ding Public Sc pals, and said, ' . . . the educational urogram of the school should be sufficiently flexible to meet the dynamic needs -no capabilities of each child. P Double sessions rre restrictive and, therefore, not sufficiently flexible to meet those needs. (S ) Frank b. Smith, Jr. on motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted to -=-ccert the two reports of the School Committee as a report of procress. On motion of Donald K. Ids;lker it wen voted to place Article 2 on the table. Siarch 16 , 1970 Annual Town Bleating •)� ARTICLE 4 Donald. K. Walker moved that the sum of Four Billion Seven Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine hundred FWty-five and 75/100 Dolls.rs ( $4, 712 ,945. 75) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the School 1)e,): rtment as :follows , each item being considered as a separate er cDronr i ation: Gene,:-rl S=lrriee. $ 3, 543 , 821 .00 General Maintcnr,nce 532 , 776.00 Athletics; 18, 330.00 i•;aturina Debt Fnd Interest 575 , 185. 75 School Pensions 23 , 138.00 Czfeteri:;.s 16, 595.00 Adult Education 3 , 100.00 Total $ 4, 712,945. 75 (Amendments were m; de by Corliss T. V.: nHorn :.:no Gilbert M. Lathrop) (case not passed) On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the meeting stand adjourned until March 19, 1970, at 8:00 P. M. , to meet in the Nemorial Iiz_oh School Auditorium. Lecting adjourned 11: 20 P. 11. 197 Toon Meetina Members were present. A true cony. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Memorial High School Auditorium March 19 , 1970 The meeting was celled to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was aiven by Rev. A. John Skeirik of the Unitarian Church. The Town Clerk read the Notice and his Return on posting Notice of Prronosedd. Reconsideration of Article 4, in accordance with A ticle II, Section 3 , of the General Dy-Laws of the Town. It was moved by Frank M. Stevens that the following vote under Arti- cle 4 , passed at the Annual Town Meeting held on March 16 , 1970 , be re- considered: "2'1ICLE A. Ory motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , Is amended by- Sullivan, J. Sullivan, Jr. and cl'rancis H. Doughty, it was voted that the sum of. One y--_, Hundred Eighty-five Thousand, Three Hundred Fifty-six and 68/100 Dollars -$( $(85 , 356.68) be rFisod from the tax levy and .npronriF-ted for Genercl Government , es follows, each item being considered as a separate Poore- nriatio'n: Selectr:,_er ' s Clerical $ 3, 000.00 Executive Secretary' s Salary 5, 000.00 Selectmeo' s L'xnen=.e 3 , 090. 00 accountant' s Salary. . 9 , 360. 00 Accountant' s !