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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-12-04 Special Town Meeting Minutes 2i4 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium December 4, 1972 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P.M. The invocation was given by Rev. Kevin McAndrews of St. Athanasius Church. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk when on motion of Robert S. Cummings, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant, except the Constable's Return, which was then read by the Town Clerk. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Nathan C. White, Chairman of the Board of Public Works: REPORT OF PROGRESS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE READING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM The Annual Town Meeting in March, 1972 authorized a capital expenditure of $400,000 for improvements to the Reading Water Supply System. The Board of Public Works wishes to submit this report of progress on these improvements. A. Engineering has been completed, and contracts awarded for: 1. Continuous sludge collection and removal at the 100 Acre Meadow Treatment Plant, for $160,000. 2. Improvements to the main pumping station at the treatment plant for $26,000. 3. Construction of a Gravel Packed Well in the Town Forest for $50,000. B. Additional work is in progress on: 1. Bids to be opened on Dec. 11 for construction of the pump house and pumping equipment for the new well in the Town Forest at an estimated cost of $33,000. 2. Town forces have begun construction of a pipe line from the Revay Meadow Wells to the treatment plant and from the new Town Forest Well to the treatment plant. Estimated cost for both is $70,000. C. Remaining work to be completed with the funds appropriated consists of: , 1. Conversion of pumps at the Revay Meadow Wells to deliver water to the treatment plant rather than directly into the distribution mains. 2. Construction of underground power lines to serve the new Town Forest Well. On December 3rd the contractor completed the required 10 days of around-the- clock test pumping of the new Town Forest Well. This test indicates that the well can supply water at a sustained rate in axe as of 2 million gallons per day, well over the planned objective of 1 million gallons per day. The quality of the water appears to be excellent and not in need of treatment of any sort. By October, 1973, with continued protection of the Ipswich and Revay Drainage areas, and completion of the improvements listed above, the capacity of the Reading Water System to supply good potable water to Reading consumers will have been increased by more than 50%. On motion of Nathan C. White it was voted to accept ggrrLepCCorpptRRKKax a report of progress. Nathan C. White, ChairmanBOARD ODonaldlE.WFlorence Malcolm E.Reed William H. Watt, Secretary Lawrence R. Blood ARTICLE 1. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the law committee be instructed to terminate any and all action to appeal or have over-ruled the decision of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth holding invalid the proposed by-law of the Town which established and created a municipal retail package store, so-called, which by-law was duly adopted by this Town Meeting. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Richard J. Ogden for the Finance , Committee. PROGRESS REPORT ON AUDIT OF TOWN TREASURER'S OFFICE On August 15, 1972, based on an agreement between the Selectmen and the Finance Committee, an audit subcommittee was appointed to interview various accounting firma regarding the unreconciled bank accounts of our former town treasurer. The subcommittee is chaired by the Finance Committee representative, Richard Ogden, and also consists of the present Town Treasurer, James Boyd, Jr. , and the Board of Selectmen's representative, Richard Gould. During the latter part of August and 275 Special Town Meeting - December 4, 1972 early September, the subcommittee conducted discussions with State auditing officials and interviewed three public accounting firms. The subcommittee also contacted the firm of Keaton and Robinson, which was not interested in the engagement. On September 26, 1972, the subcommittee recommended to the Finance Committee that the firm of Peat, Marwick & Mitchell be engaged to perform the necessary reconciliations. The subcommittee recommendation was based on a combina- tion of factors including price, completion dates and their approach to the problem. Although the subcommittee was confident that any of the three firms interviewed could perform the job adequately, it felt that the firm of Peat, Marwick & Mitchell was the best choice to satisfy the fbtte requirements. The subcommittee also reported that it believed that the firm of Keaton and Robinson's working papers would be useful to the firm of Peat, Marovich & Mitchell and, if used by Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, could substantially reduce their final price. The subcommittee recommended that if the firm of Keaton and Robinson agreed to allow their working papers to be used, that the Finance Committee support an article at the next Town Meeting for the Town to make payment to Keaton and Robinson. Based on the subcommittee's recommendations, the Finance Committee entered into a contract with Peat, Marwick & Mitchell which called for the preparation of monthly reconciliations of the Treasurer's bank accounts and agreeing the balances of the Treasurer's cash to the amounts of the Town Accountant's books (general ledger) for the period from August 1, 1968 to March 15, 1972. This contract called for the Finance Committee to transfer an initial amount of $15,000 in advance and agree to transfer additional funds if necessary to complete the work of reconciliation. Accordingly, on September 26, the Finance Committee transferred $15,000 from the reserve fund for the purpose of paying Peat, Marwick & Mitchell. Peat, Marwick & Mitchell commenced its work on October 2, and in early October Keaton and Robinson agreed to make its working papers available to Peat, Marwick & Mitchell. During October and November, Peat, Marwick & Mitchell made periodic progress reports to the Finance Committee. Peat, Marwick & Mitchell's latest report is addressed to 3 major concerns of the Finance Committee: the estimated oompletion date; Peat, Marwick & Mitchell's total fee; and Keaton and Robinson's work. First, Peat, Marwick & Mitchell estimates that they will be substantially finished by December 15. They have completed all the required reconciliations for the period August 1, 1968 to July 31, 1971, and are in the process of reconciling the period August 1, 1971 to March 15, 1972, which they hope to finish.by December 8. During their review they have met several times with representatives of the State's bureau of Accounts to determine that their requirements are being met. Peat, Marwick & Mitchell estimates that their total cost will approximate $17,000. They have indicated, however, that they will bill the Town for only $15,000, the initial amount transferred by the Finance Comatittee. As to the benefits to Peat, Marwick & Mitchell of Keaton and Robinson's work, Peat, Marwick & Mitchell informs us that, if they had to duplicate Keaton and Robinson's work, it would have cost the Town at least an additional $5,000. It is the intention of the Finance Committee to sponsor an article at the next Town meeting for payment to Keaton and Robinson. Finance Committee On motion of Richard J. Ogden it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by James J. Sullivan, Jr. for the Finance Committee. ' A FIN-COM REPORT ON THE EIGHTEEN MONTH BUDGET Over the past two years, and particularly the past several months, we have heard much about the 18 month budget and its effects on the taxpayer. Now that most of the facts are in, we can report as follows: All Town Boards and Departments are now preparing their budgets for Fin-com review, covering the period from January 1, 1973, through June 30, 1974, which then brings us to the new fiscal year of the future, which begins on July 1, 1974. While there is additional work in the accurate preparation for the extra six months, all departments should have them completed within the prescribed time. 2-16 Special Town Meeting December 4, 1972 The Fin-Com,in its deliberations this year, will have to take into consideration the following unusual developments in the preparation of its recommendations to Town Meeting: 1. Free Cash normally used to reduce the amount raised from the tax levy, over a twelve month period, now must be spread over a 30 month period. It has been suggested by the state that towns would be wise not to use free cash for this purpose during the transition due to all of the unknowns that may lie ahead. In any event if we do use it as in the past we will find that due to the extended time period, 30 months, it will not have the , same effect as it has in the past. 2. New construction during the year which normally would be added to the tax rolls on January 1, 1974 and produce immediate revenue for the following year, will be lost to us until July 1, 1974, meaning that some property that now on a one time basis can escape taxation for almost 12 months, will now have an extra ride for an additional six months. 3. We may be required to appropriate teachers salaries for 20 months, rather than the eighteen that we might normally expect, due to our present method of payment. Although the normal school year runs from September to June 30, we have by agreement been paying teachers on a monthly basis through the months of July and August. It may be that initially we moat appropriate the a= required to meet the contract commit menta to June 30th. This would amount to a very substantial increase on a one time basis if required. 4. Some budgets will, because of their nature, perhaps represent more than 150% of a normal 12 month budget. An example of this might be in the Board of Public Works budget, involving the snow and ice account, or the Insurance account. 5. Estimated revenue used by the Finance Committee in arriving at its annual tax projections cannot be projected beyond 150% of 1972 actuals. The effect of these considerations as well as others perhaps not as yet apparent , indicate we can expect a substantial increase in our 1973-74 tax bill something on the order of 6 to 7 dollars, the bulk of which should turn out to be a one time increase. It should be stressed at this time that this projection does not take into consideration Revenue Sharing or increases that are built into our 1973-74 budget by Town Meeting action this year but reflects the cost estimates of the transition alone. It is our understanding at this time that the assessors will prepare one tax bill covering the 18 months to be sent out at the usual time, payable 2/3rdson November 1, 1973, and the balance on May 1, 1974. While this transitional period will bring additional financial burdens to taxpayers already over-burdened, we can hopefully look forward to a time when future Town Meetings will vote on budgets before expenditures are made rather than after. This should, along with the many other fiscal advantages, give us a better opportunity to manage our Town'a affairs. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. , it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 1. George C. Cox moved that the School Committee be instructed to study the subject matter of Article 6 of this Warrant and to report its findings on the subject of Article 6 to the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1973. This motion did not pass. Robert M. Graham moved for reconsideration of motion by George C. Cox. This motion did not pass. 10 voted in the affirmative 130 voted in the negative (two-thirds vote required) On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 1 on the table. 277 Special Town Meeting December 4, 1972 ARTICLE 2. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board on behalf of the Town to acquire by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, easement or otherwise for Municipal Light purposes, a certain parcel of land situated on the easterly side of Main Street in Reading, Massachusetts, depicted as' parcel No, 1 on the Town of Reading Assessors Plat No. 247 and containing 22 acres more or less and 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 such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Winfml F. Spurr it was voted that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed. On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was voted to take Article 1 from the table. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Melvin E. Jones, Chairman of the Planning Board. PLANNING BOARD REPORT TO SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing was held at the Community Center on November 30, 1972, at 7:30 p. m. , regarding a change in the Zoning By-Laws which would raise the flood plain elevation from 75 feet above mean sea level to 80 feet for land along the Ipswich River between Route 28 and the Wilmington Town Line; raise the flood plain elevation from 80 feet above mean sea level to 81 feet for land bounded by the Reading-Lynnfield Town Line on the east, bounded by the Reading-North Reading Town Line on the north and bounded by Haverhill Street on the south and the west; and establish a new flood plain for land at or below elevation 82.5 feet above mean .sea level for land lying southerly of Franklin Street, bounded by Route 28 on the west and bounded by Haverhill Street on the east. The hearing was lengthy. Little objection was voiced to the principle of flood plain zoning to protect the health, welfare and convenience of the the individual land owners or the public at large. A great many objections were made with regard to the lack of evidence relating to the basis for establishing the chosen elevations. The hearing was attended by 20 persons. A poll of those present indicated 3 in favor, 6 opposed and 3 in favor of postponement contingent upon presentation of additional evidence of the basis for revision of elevations. The Planning Board is philosophically infavorof protecting the flood plains. However, sufficient engineering evidence was not presented at the hearing to verify that the proposed changes are required to protect the wetlands. Specifically, the evident lack of engineering data relative to the appropriate elevationstobe protected has precluded a clear decision Further, it was not determined that the revised elevations are sufficiently high. Accordingly, the Planning Board recommends that the subject matter of Article 2 be withdrawn until such data can be collected and presented. Melvin E. Jones, Chairman Andrew White, Secretary William H. Parker, III William E. Clark On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was voted to lay Article 1 on the table. Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Readhg Part VI: Special Districts, Section XXV. Flood Plain Districts as follows: 1. In Subsection 2. delete the first paragraph and substitute therefor the following new first paragraph: 2. The location of the Flood Plain districts shall include the areas shown on the "Zoning Map of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts", dated February, 1942, as amended, as shown on MAP No. 2 Town of Reading, Mass., Planning Board, and dated 1937, and as determined by the Board of Public Works. The locations of said districts are more specifically described as follows: 2S Special Town Meeting - December 4, 1972 2. Delete Subsection 2.a. and substitute therefor the following new Subsection 2.a. : 2.a. Ipswich River All that land along or slopingtoward the Ipswich River that is at or below an elevation of 80.0 feet above mean sea level and located between Route 28 and . the Wilmington Town Line. 3. Delete Subsection 2.d. (1) and substitute therefor the following new Subsection 2.d. (1) : 2.d. (1) Bounded easterly by the Reading-Lynnfield Town Line, and northerly by the Readhig-North Reading Town Line and westerly and southerly by Haverhill Street that is at or below an elevation of 81.9feet above mean sea level: 4. Delete Subsection 2.d. (2) and substitute therefor the following new Subsection 2.d. (2) and add a new Subsection 2.d.(3) : 2.d. (2) All that land lying southerly of the Reading-North Reading Town Line and the Ipswich River bounded westerly by Route 28, easterly by Haverhill Street and southerly by Franklin Street that is at or below an elevation of 80.0 feet above mean sea level: 2.d. (3) All that land lying southerly of Franklin Street, bounded westerly by Route 28, easterly by Haverhill Street at or below an elevation of 82.5 feet above mean sea level. On motion of Robert P. Sumberg it was voted that the .subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or otherwise for Conservation pur- poses under General Laws, Chapter 40„ Section 8C, as amended a certain parcel of land described as follows: Assessors Plat Number 3, Lot number 33 located on Route 128 containing 9,550 sq. ft. and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy, or transfer from available .funda, or otherwise, and appropriate for such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto. . On motion of Nancy Wilson Anderson it was voted that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 5. .Donald R. Walker moved that the Board of, Selectmen be and hereby are authorized upon request of the School Committee to lease for a five (5) year period seven (7) relocatable classrooms with ,such passageways, filets, steps or ramps as will be necessary, and connections to utilities as required, such work to be done under the direction of the Reading School Department, and the a= of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.OQ) be appropriated for the first year, and the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer such amount from the Surplus Revenue Account to carry out the purpose of this vote. This motion did not pass. 59 voted in the affirmative 93 voted in the negative ARTICLE 6. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of renovation and/or repairing all or a part of the Reading Community Center, to be used for a kindergarten and alternative, open-education school program, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of George C. Cox it was voted that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 7. On motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of Twenty- , two Thousand, Six Hundred Dollars ($22,600) be appropriated for the purpose of completion of the construction of a private way known as Audubon Road in accordance with the terms of a certain performance bond executed by Dynamic Construction Corporation to the benefit of the Town of Reading on the twelfth day of August, 1971 pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, and the Town Accountant be, and hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer such amount from the Surplus Revenue Account to carry out the purpose of this vote. On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was voted that Article 1 be taken from the table. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Melvin E. Jones for the Planning Board: Pursuant to Chapter 40A, Section 6, of the General Laws, a public hearing 279 Special Town Meeting December 4, 1972 was held at the Community Center on November 27, 1972, at 7:30p. m. , regarding a change in the Zoning By-Laws which would allow the ownership and operation in residential districts by a non-profit organization of a facility providing recreational, educational and social service functions subject to permit by the Board of Appeals. The hearing was short. No objections were voiced. The hearing was attended by 17 persons. A poll of those present indicated ten in favor, none opposed. Upon deliberation, the Planning Board was unable to envision conditions under which the provisions of the proposed revision might be detrimental to the welfare, health and convenience of the public. Accordingly, the Planning Board urges Town Meeting acceptance of the proposed changes. READING PLANNING BOARD Melvin E. Jones, Chairman Andrew B. White, Secretary William H. Parker, III William E. Clark On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Melvin E. Jones it was Voted to lay Article 1 on the table. ARTICLE 8. On motion of Philip R. White, Jr. , as amended by Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voteq that the Zoning By Laws of the Town of Reading be amended as follows: nanimously Part 1: Districts, Section III. General Regulations, insert after 3E. the following paragraph: 3F. A facility owned and operated by a non-profit organization, which will provide for each and every one of the following activities - recreational, educational and social service, but shall not permit the sale of alcoholic ' beverages or operations of games of chance, may be erected and maintained in Residential Districts, provided a permit therefore is granted by the Board of Appeals after a public hearing, which permit . may be granted subject to appro- priate restrictions and limitations on parking, site plan, structure or use, as may be deemed necessary by said board, and providing said land area is in excess of 100,000 sq. ft. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the town accept Chapter 344 of the Acts of 1970 entitled An Act Establishing a Revolving Fund in Certain Cities and Towns for the Payment of Police Officers for Off- Duty Work Details. ARTICLE 10. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the son of Fifty Eight Thousand Dollars ($58,000) be appropriated and transferred to the Insurance Account and the Town Accountant be, and hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer such amount from the Surplus Revenue Account to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 11. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of Three Thousand Dollard ($3,000) be appropriated and transferred to a new account to be entitled The Hopkins Street NIKE Site Demolition Account, and the Town Accountant be, and hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer such amount from the Surplus Revenue Account to carry out this vote. ' ARTICLE 12. On motion of Russell E. Carter it was voted with thanks that the Commissioners of Trust Funds be authorized to accept a gift of money from the Northern Residents Association. Said gift to be used for the purpose of establishing a scholarship fund to be administered ;by the Commissioners of Trust Funds, with the approval of the School Committee. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 1 from the table. ARTICLE 1. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed. 260 Special Town Meeting December 4, 1972 On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the meeting stand adjourned, sine die, at 11:581p. dr: - - 164 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew ' Town Clerk TOWN WARRANT Seal Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town:of.Reading, Greetings: In .the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following places designated for the four precincts in said Town; namely: Precinct 1 - Killam Elementary School Precinct 2 - Joshua Eaton School Precinct 3 . Community Center- Precinct 4 - Memorial High School ON SATURDAY, the THIRD DAY of MARCH, A.D. , 1973 at eight o'clock in the forenoon to act on the following articles, viz: ARTICLE 1. To elect by ballot the following Town Officers: a Moderator for one year; Treasurer for three years; one member of the Board of Selectmen for three years; Town Collector for three years; one member of the Board of Assessors for three years; one member of the Municipal Light Board for three years; two members of the Board of Public Works for three years; one member of the Board of Health for three years; one member of the BoardofHealth for one year; two members of the School Committee for three years; two members of the Planning Board for three years; one member of the Planning Board for one year; two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years; two members of the Board of Cemetery Trustees for three years; one member of the Regional School District Committee for four years; one member of the Housing Authority for five years. Also, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 7, Acts of 1943, in each of the four precincts, the number of Town Meeting Members, as hereinafter specified: Precinct 1. Seventeen members for three years; one member for two years to , fill vacancy. t Precinct 2, Seventeen members for three years. - Precinct 3. Seventeen members for three years; one member for two years to fill vacancy; two members .for one,year to fill vacancies. _ Precinct 4. Seventeen members for three years; one member for-one year to fill vacancy. AND to vote on the following question: Shall the Town provide two thousand dollars of group life insurance and two thousand dollars of accidental death and dismemberment insurance for a retired employee in lieu of one thousand dollars of group life insurance?