HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-30 Finance Committee Packet
Town of Reading
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Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16 LAG
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2021-09-30 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Agenda:
Purpose: General Business
Meeting Called By: Jacquelyn LaVerde on behalf of Chair Ed Ross
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
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Topics of Discussion:
This meeting will be held in-person in the Conference Room at Town Hall and remotely via
Zoom.
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AGENDA:
Liaison Reports
Review and Vote on Remaining Articles for October Special Town Meeting
Review and Vote on Financial Articles for November Subsequent Town Meeting
Discussion on ARPA funds
Minutes for Approval: September 13, 2021
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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Page | 1
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Town of Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I ______________________________, on October 18,2021 notified
and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at
the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Special Town Meeting
Warrant, along with the written request of Town Moderator Alan Foulds dated September 9,
2021asking that this Special Town Meeting be held by remote participation pursuant to St.
2020, c. 92, §8and St. 2021, c. 20, §9, in the following public places within the Town of
Reading:
Precinct 1J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 3Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street
Precinct 4Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 6Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive
Precinct 8Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior toOctober 18,2021,the date
set for Special Town Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused a posting of this WarrantSpecial
Town Meeting,tobe published on the Town of Reading website on _______________, 2021.
_____________________________________________
Constable
A true copy Attest:
_____________________________________________
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
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SPECIAL TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any 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 the Local Elections and Town
affairs, to meet in accordance with Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020and Chapter 20 of the Acts of
2021and through the Zoom platform onMONDAY, the EIGHTEENTHDAY of OCTOBERA.D.,
2021.
atseven thirty
acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the
provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
Members of the public may access and witness the deliberations and actions taken at the
SpecialTown Meeting in the following manner: RCTV,Facebook,or on local public access
television. Town Meeting members and Town officials shall receive a link to join the Zoom video
conferencing platform to participate in the SpecialTown Meeting. Non-Town Meeting Members
who are registered voters residing in the Town who wish to participate in the SpecialTown
Meeting must submit a request to participate to the Town Clerk not less than 48 hours in
advance of the SpecialTown Meeting, and when submitting this request, non-Town Meeting
Members who wish to make a comment, ask a question, or otherwise address Town Meeting,
should contact Town Clerk Laura Gemme (lgemme@ci.reading.ma.usor 781-942-6647) with
the following information: (a) First and Last Name, (b) Street Address, (c) Phone Number, (d)
Email Address, and (e) Article(s) he or she would like to speak to, and once verified, shall
receive follow up information with specific participation instructions for the meeting.
If, onOctober 18, 2021, the Town Meeting elects not to hold the SpecialTown Meeting
remotely, then the Town Meeting shall adjourn to Reading Memorial High School Performing
Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading on ThursdayOctober 21, 2021at seven thirty
the evening.
ARTICLE 1To hear and acton the reports of the SelectBoard, School Committee,
Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager,
Town Accountantand any other Town Official, Board or Committee.
Select Board
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Background:This article appears on the Warrant for all Town Meetings. At this Special Town
Meeting, the Moderator has requested that reports be submitted in writing in advance, although
there are no known reports at this time.
ARTICLE 2To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given to Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and
to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds,
or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out
the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respectthereto.
Select Board
Background:This Article appears on the Warrant of all Town Meetings. There are no known
Instructional Motions at this time. The Town Moderator requires that all proposed Instructional
Motions be submitted to the Town Clerk prior to Town Meeting so that Town Meeting Members
made. Instructional Motions are normally held until the end of all other business at Town
Meeting.
ARTICLE 3To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2022-32Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and
as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General
No funds may be appropriated for any capital item unless such
item is included in the Capital Improvements Program, and is scheduled for funding inthe Fiscal
Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that
changes to a long-term Capital Improvements Program (CIP) are adequately described.
The following changes are proposed to the FY2022FY2032CIP(current year plus ten years):
General Fund
FY22: +$385,000 net changes
$185,000 DPW Snow holder #2 c480 2103 move up one year and add $5k
$140,000 Window safety film to supplement the Building Security Project budget
$ 60,000GIS flyover (move up one year to meet new State project schedule)
Debt
Energy Improvements II (add $0.5milFY23 cost)
Police Station Improvements (add $1.5milFY23 cost)
FY23:+$56,000 net changes
$111,000 DPW Snow Primoth SW4S (move up 1yr)
+$100,000 Lowell Street paving project (increased to $500k)
$100,000 Strout Avenue Improvements (safer Town Forest access)
$100,000 Memorial Park rock wall repairs (move up 5 yrs)
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$ 35,000 Fire Hose replacement (move up 1yr)
+$25,000 DPW Mower TORO gang 2007 (increased to $150k)
-$50,000 Fire Passenger Car #1 move out one year to FY24
-$50,000 PBC Funding (reduced from $100k)
-$55,000 DPW Ford Pickup for P/F/C moved out one year to FY24
-$60,000 Adm Svc: GIS Flyover planimetrics (movedup one year to FY22)
-$200,000 Birch Meadow ES site improvements (move out one year to FY24)
Debt
Community Sustainability (add $1.0mil FY24 cost)
FY24+
Various other changes made
Enterprise Funds Water
FY22: +$435,000
$400,000 Emerson Avenue Water Main work (increasedfund atNovember TM)
$35,000 Unidirectional flushing program (moved up three yearsfund atNovember TM)
FY23: +$57,500
$40,000 Replace W-20 Trailer (1999)
$35,000 Unidirectionalflushing program (moved up three years)
-$17,500Engineering vehicle shared with Sewer moved out one year and +$12,500 for hybrid
Note: Auburn Water Tank increased by $2.5 million of 20yr debt/grants/reserves
FY24+
Various changes made
Enterprise Funds Sewer
FY22: +$250,000
+$250,000Sturges Sewer Station project (increasedfund atNovember TM)
FY23: -$17,500
-$17,500 Engineering vehicle shared with Water moved out one year and +$12,500 for hybrid
FY24+
Various changes made
Enterprise Funds Storm Water
FY22: None
FY23: None
FY24+
Various changes made
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Finance Committee Report:The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments
to the FY 2022FY 2031Capital Improvements Program by a vote of 8-0at their meeting on
September 13, 2021. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite first
step but in itself does not authorize spending funds towards these items
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 4
the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2021, as adopted under Article 16of the Annual Town
Meeting of April 26, 2021; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or
transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the
amounts appropriated under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its
government, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
Background:
General Fund Wages and Expenses
Account LineDescriptionDecreaseIncrease
B99 BenefitsHealth Insurance Premiums -$375,000$375,000
C99 -CapitalPlease see Article 3 for details$385,000
G92 Administrative Non-Union Pay & Class Study$40,000
Services Expenses
H91 Public Economic Development Liaison-$15,000$15,000
Services Wages
H92 Public Economic Devel. expenses +$15,000$10,000
Services Expenses-$25,000
J91 Public Safety Animal Control -$30,000$30,000
Wages
J92 Public Safety Regional Animal Control +$25,000$25,000
Expenses
K94 DPW Street Street/Traffic Lights -$20,000$20,000
Lights
Subtotals$450,000$450,000
Net Operating Expenses$0
From Free Cash$0
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 13, 2021the Finance Committee
voted 8-0to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 5To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer
from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs ofmaking
Police Station Improvements, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and
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related thereto, and to authorize the Town Manager to apply for a grant or grants to be used to
defray the cost of any portion of these improvements; or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Select Board
Background:At April 2021 Town Meeting, this project was included on the capital plan
but described as undergoing cost evaluation, and also waiting for that Town Meeting to approve
a suggested organizational change to move Public Health under Public Safety as an
independent department.
The Police station as built left a large so-
that project on budget and also to allow for future assessment of department/community needs.
As part of the Dispatch renovation that is underway, as well as the Building Security project now
completed, the building received a very thorough evaluation by Public Safety, Facilities and
Technology staff.
The final plan calls for requesting a Training/Meeting Room in that unfinished space at a cost of
$0.8 million, and then when that work is completed to renovate the existing first floor conference
room into offices for Public Health, the Coalition for Prevention and Support, and our new
Mental Health positionadded by Town Meeting last spring. These costs are all-in, including
demolition, renovation, and furniture/fixtures/equipment.
Training has always been important to the department, and even during lean budget years that
budget has been protected. Police Reform calls for even more training, at a time when the
availability of training resources has shifted to online. A larger dedicated room in the secure
section of the building will allow more in-house training to be conducted, inviting other nearby
agencies to participate when space allows. This room will also serveas a Command Center
during emergencies, and was called out by the Building Security study as a far more appropriate
location. A perfect combined
The first-floor office location will allow full and easy public access to Health, Coalition and
Mental Health staff without the need to enter the secure sections of the building. Placing these
staff members together, even though they technically are in different departments, also makes a
great deal of sense to foster collaboration. We continue to believe this is a model for future
change as well as an earlier funding of a Mental Health position than we anticipated.
The Town Accountant does not believe any portion of this project would qualify for the Federal
ARPA grant. However indirectly and separately from this Article, the grant covers lost revenue,
a concept she is still working on.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 13, 2021the Finance Committee
voted 8-0to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
Select BoardReport:At their meeting on September 14, 2021the Select Boardvoted 2-0-3to
supportthis Article.
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ARTICLE 6To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer
from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of making
energy and water conservation and similar improvements to Town owned properties, including
the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related theretoto pay costs of this project,
said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager, the School
Committee, and/or the Superintendent of Schools, and to authorize the TownManager to apply
for a grant or grants to be used to defray the cost of any portion of these improvements; or take
any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:Annual Town Meeting in 2009 approved $4.95 million in 15-year debt for
Energy Improvements phase
began in 2008. A hurdle with RMLD serving four communities could not be overcome at that
point,but Town Meeting voted to move aheadwith the energy improvementsresulting in
significant energy (and dollar) savings for our public buildings(and budget).
As of this past summer, this first phase saved 2.5 million pounds of CO2 annually; andsaved
1,902 pounds of NO annually. Through ten years, the Town saved $3.9million dollars in the
energy budget, including the most recent year consisting of $430,000 in savings.
We sold 15-year debt to fund this first phaseof energy improvements, with the last debt
payments due in FY25. We had planned to investigate a second phaseof energy improvements
to be timed to begin around FY25, but a recent push to join Green Communities has produced
the desire for faster implementation.
For that first phase Town, Schooland Facilities staff worked together with an independent
consultant and created a complex procurement process, resulting in the selection of
NORESCO. We have enjoyed a great working relationship since then, as NORESCOmeasures
and inspectsour energy use,and makes sure that Facilities is doing the required preventative
maintenancebecause NORESCO isfinancially on the hook to guarantee minimum savings,
which total $3.6million over those first ten years.
The second phase begins at this lower energy usebaseline, and significant improvements are
more challenging. However as proposed, the second phase is projected to save an additional
1.9 million pounds of CO2 annually and 1,258 pounds of NO annually, in excess of 15% energy
savings. A Green Communities
While this second phase satisfies that first measure, perhaps more
importantly it reduces town/school energy use.
Here is the background presented to that 2009 Town Meeting, especially for the benefit of
newer Town Meeting members, as this Article 7 makes a very similar request again:
Reading Public Schools and the Town of Reading have launched an exciting new project to
evaluate and then implement a set of comprehensive energy conservation measures in our
municipal and school buildings. The Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC)process,
as set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 25A, Section 11I, allows a municipality to
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infrastructure improvements to reduce energy and water consumption with construction costs
paid for through the savings generated from the project.
The Subsequent Town Meeting in November 2008 approved an expenditure of no more than
$120,000 for consulting services and an initial energy audit. The cost of the audit would only be
paid if a project does not go forward. In response to a Request for Qualifications, seven leading
national ESCOs submitted responses. In accordance with the state-mandated process, the
evaluation resulted in the selection of NORESCO of Westborough, Massachusetts as the top-
rated firm to partner with Reading.
The ESPC Project began with the technical energy audit of all fifteen town and school buildings.
The audit process involved comprehensive measurement and analysis of building energy and
water use. Teams of energy auditors utilized meters, monitors, data loggers, surveys and on-
site inspection to determine how our buildings use energy and establish an energy consumption
baseline. A team of engineers then evaluated and designed energy conservation measures that
could be undertaken to reduce building energy consumption from the baseline level. This team
of energy engineers and specialists presented these alternatives to the Town. As this Warrant
goes to print in advance of Town Meeting, Town staff is in the process of finalizing the highest
priority measures that best meets the needs and objectives of the community.
In addition, a variety of financing options are being evaluated, including seeking debt
authorization for some (or all) of this project from Town Meeting through this Article. If the entire
project is funded with debt through this Article, debt service will first be paid from energy
savings. Any remaining debt service would be paid from the annual share of debt and capital.
Town staff is diligently monitoring Federal and State stimulus funding, to see if any (or all) of this
project is eligible. In light of the volatile status of stimulus funding and of the financial markets,
the widest possible set of financial tools is particularly important at this time.
Once the project scope has been finalized, and Town Meeting has authorized debt (if and as
needed), the ESCO, acting as general contractor, will design/build the infrastructure
improvements over the course of one to two years, depending upon the number of measures
well as sub-
qualification criteria.
management team during all phases of the project and key information will be communicated to
Town officials and the general public through a blogincluding project schedules, tasks and
timelines. (also see attached presentation)
A second phase is far easier to implement, by simply submitting a change order to our current
contractual relationship with NORESCO, allowing us to utilize their expert knowledge of our
buildings.A working group consisting of the Superintendent of Schools, School CFO, Facilities
Director, Assistant Facilities Director and Town Manager met with NORESCO since last winter
to discuss a possible phase II. The initial list of potential building energy improvements (shown
below on the left-hand side) was about $13 million, offering annual savings of $326,400 or a
39.7-year paybackin aggregate.
Over the summer, Town and School staff worked with NORESCO, examining the cost/payback
of each individual item underlying the summary table below, for each Town and School building.
We added some items, received updated prices, considered the current capital plan which listed
a placeholder for $4.5 million of improvements. We favored replacing existing equipment that
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would need it over the next few years, and then added in good payback (~10 yrs) items, and
agreed on the following suggested improvements (shown below on the right-hand side):
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LED Lighting$ 1,230,600$156,700 7.9$ 1,235,887$151,335 8.2
New Boilers$ 3,040,700$ 10,300295.2$ 2,049,788$ 9,855208.0
New Chiller$ 176,400$ 2,60067.8$ 404,754$ 9,73141.6
Upgrade Energy Mgt Sys$ 726,600$ 27,80026.1$ 499,467$ 35,12814.2
EE Motors & VFDs$ 133,350$ 12,60010.6$ 187,579$ 8,20622.9
New RTUs$ 331,000$ 6,90048.0
New HVAC$ 134,000$ 3,30040.6
New EE Transformers$ 79,700$ 4,00019.9$ 214,607$ 10,32820.8
Building Weatherization$ 26,250$ 2,40010.9$ 194,876$ 14,41013.5
Plug Load Controls$ 78,750$ 8,1009.7$ 5,084 $ 5439.4
Refrigeration Controls$ 56,000$ 2,60021.5
Boiler Controls$ 76,000$ 4,10018.5
Solar Photovoltaics$ 1,308,600$ 71,60018.3
Coolidge HVAC Upgrades$ 5,562,000$ 13,400415.1
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*March 2021 figures*August 2021 figures
This selected combination with a $4.8 million cost retains as much energy savings as practical
($240k) and cuts the payback about in half to 20.0 years.
Note that this approach on the right-handhas two very different elements.
First, the $2.05 million of boiler replacements at Parker MS ($1.49 million)and the Police
Station($0.56million)were listed as stand-alone projects in the capital plan, and needing
attention in the near-term. They were subsequently rolled into this project and removed as
individual capital line items, because doing them as part of a project is far more cost-effective,
project is notmeant to be financially efficient in terms of cost/payback as shown abovewith a
200+ year payback.
Second, the remaining $2.75 million of improvements have an 11+year cumulative payback
and are very cost/payback effective.
Items identified for a second phase but not selected include:
-$5.6 million for a steam to hot water conversion at Coolidge MS which would
produce savings of $13,400 annually, or a 400+ year payback. This work is not
urgent from an operations standpoint;
-Solar photovoltaics for a total of $1.3 million is possible at Parker MS, Joshua Eaton
ES, Barrows ES, Wood End ES, the Main St. Fire Station and the Public Library and
produce a 25+ year payback, which did not make the cut for this project, but also as
they are exterior to the buildings, they can be done separately at any time. Note that
a possible phase 3 is shown in the capital plan as, which
aims
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as a solar array above a parking lot, as is done By Endicott College and others). The
community should begin those discussions as soon as practical;
-Another ~$1 million for RMHS boiler work, rooftop unit replacements at Coolidge and
Town Hall; HVAC work at the Senior Center and DPW Garage; and various plug
load, refrigeration and boiler controls at a several buildings. Combined these items
produced a payback of 100+ years, and none of the work was planned or deemed
urgent.
If approved by October Special Town Meeting, we will be in a position to execute a contract that
guarantees these costs through December 2021, and puts NORESCO on the hook for the
guaranteed energy savings (if not approvedby Town Meeting, as is the standard industry
practice, we will owe NORESCOa-fee of$57,000 for this work that was set aside with
surplus energy funds from last year).
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 13, 2021the Finance Committee
voted 8-0to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
Select BoardReport:At their meeting on September 14, 2021the Select Boardvoted 3-0-2to
supportthis Article.
ARTICLE 7To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer
from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of replacing
the Auburn Water Tank, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related
thereto, which amount will supplement funds previously appropriated under Article 17 of the
2019 Annual Town Meeting to pay costs of this project, said sum to be expended by and under
the direction of the Town Manager, and to authorize the Town Manager to apply for a grant or
grants to be used to defray the cost of any portion of these improvements; or take any other
action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:A Special Town Meeting in April 2021 authorized the Select Board to execute
ground leases for temporary telecommunication facilities at the site of the Auburn Water Tank,
scheduled for replacement. The project background for that Town Meeting is repeated below:
replace the Auburn Street water tank. This followed a couple of years of discussion as to either
paint and repair the agingtank every 15 or so years, or replacing it with a composite elevated
tank that would not require as much maintenance or any regular painting.
as the equipment from several cell carriers from the Water Tank.
Building and leasing a cell tower was one of the handful of pre-Override revenue enhancement
ideas to come from Financial Forums held in the early 2010s, and Town Meeting approved
$100,000 in FY17 for preliminary cell tower design.
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The 2018 Annual Town Meeting voted to fund $400,000 for the Town to build a permanent cell
tower (planned for FY20). However, a few neighbors attended a summer 2018 public meeting
and subsequently the Town Manager halted the project,and requested that November 2018
Town Meeting remove the $400,00 funding. A request for $100,000 in order to relocate the
temporary cell tower for both themselves and Town equipment.
In the winter 2019-2020, cell carriers were non-responsive to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
asking them to build a temporary tower. In the spring 2020 the Select Board was provided an
update which reviewed the past exploration of building a temporary or permanent cell tower,
and asked about next steps. In late 2020 the Select Board voted to allow the Town to build a
temporary structure but only for its own equipment. The cell carriers made a presentation to the
Board in the spring 2021 showing the loss of cell coverage for a large section of town, and they
Board voted to accept this offer.
This Article authorizes ground leases, which allows the Town to issue an RFP to again request
that a bidder build a temporary structure at the location of the Auburn Water Tank, to be used
during the construction project to replace that Tank. Two full construction seasons are forecast,
requiring a 30-month termof the ground leases, although construction might be completed more
quickly.
The Town will also be issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to buy a new Water Tank, and another
RFP to allow the cell carriers back onto the Water Tank after it is built. Both RFPs are expected
to be issued at approximately the same time, so that the carriers will have some certainty of
coming back onto the Water Tank and therefore more readily pursue their offer to build a
temporary structure.
The Town expects the cost of the Water Tank project to increase by at least $0.5 million,
pending the results of the ITB, and is likely to request that November 2021 Town Meeting
allocate additional funds from Water Reserves. Further, recent discussions with the
neighborhood have explored additional improvements to the area, including a small park. Any
changes to the scope of the Water Tank project should also be shown to and could be funded
by November 2021 Town Meeting.
In the meanwhile, in the spring 2021 the Town borrowed the $4.5 million of Water Enterprise
Fund debt at an attractive rate of 1.25%, and is looking forward to moving ahead with the Water
th
An update to the Select Board on July 13from Town Engineer Ryan Percival described an
updated cost estimate of $5.87 million, which included engineering costs and contingency.
th
Since then the Town received and opened bids on August 26. The result was only one
qualified bid at a total bid price of $5,876,793.00. Due to the increase in the construction bid
price and the need for additional engineering and contingencies the Town needs an additional
$2.5 million. The cost increases from the initial $4.5 million project are as follows:
$ 1,780,000storage tank and demo of existing tank -2+ yr inflation (esp. steel), lower
resale value of existing materials, and overall supply chain issues.
$ 50,000 soil excavation expanded scope
$ 200,000 water main work expanded scope, including increase in steel prices.
$ 50,000 engineering costs expanded scope
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$ 420,000 increased contingencies follow from the increased costs above
We have awarded a contract to one of the cell providers, and construction of a temporary cell
tower for our equipment and that of the carriers will be underway soon.
Here are responses to recent questions raised by the Select Board after their meeting on
September 14th:
1.can we get a guesstimate from a painting contractor on the cost to repaint the
tank (and approximately how long it should last)?
ANSWER: We reached out to twopainting contractors and only heard back from
one. The estimate received was $2 million to onlyperform the following: full blast and
recoat of the tank interior and containment, full blast, and recoat of the tank exterior.
This estimate DOES NOTinclude costs for engineering (design, bid, CA); pit, seam,
and plate welding repairs; repairs to the cat walk or other structurally deficient items
(see answer to question #2); stand-offs for the cell carriers; civil/site work, such as
tree removal or impacted soil removal; or improvements to the water main in Auburn
St. The coating system of a water storage tank should last approximately 10 to 15
years, if properly maintained.
2.did W&S (or other company) complete a structural review of the tank several
years ago? What was their thinking on safety IF painted and maintained. I am
mindful of your comment about the DEP potentially telling us that it must be
replaced post haste.
ANSWER: Several tank inspections have been performed on the tank within the past
10-15 years. The following items were taken from 2009 and 2012 inspection reports.
oof of the subject tank we did observe a structural
deficiency within the roof access ladder assembly. The points of
attachment between the bottom vertical section of the ladder and the
upper revolving section of the ladder assembly are compromised.
Furthermore, the weld quality along the remaining welds appears
deflection from the centerline of the gir
place along a number of the retention nuts. Any significant furtherance in
this metal loss could, and will, compromise the integrity of some of these
surfaces are in fair to good condition, with only minor
corrosion along lap seams of the roof however more extensive
13
allation
of numerous cellular coaxial cables as well as town owned radio
equipment along these surfaces. At this time, there is no reasonable
means of accessing the shell ladder from the leg column ladder along the
balcony due to these obstructions. Modification of the antenna equipment
to allow unencumbered access throughout the balcony, and between the
two ladders, in particular, is necessary to permit proper inspection of the
the interior surfaces of the subject tank within the next 1-
We have not reviewed more recent reports but there is a high probability that these
deficiencies have become worse and/or that new issues have developed over time.
In 2016, Weston & Sampson performed a cost benefit analysis that determined the
town would likely save approximately $1.4 million over the lifespan of the tank by
replacing it with a low maintenance tank instead of rehabilitating it, which would have
included repairing the deficiencies noted above.
3.could the already existing debt financing be used for capital improvement to the
existing tank? is there a way to get a legal opinion about this in time for Oct TM?
ANSWER:Town Meeting could vote to repurpose the existing debt for another
allowed use, as defined in guidelines used by the Treasurer concerning maximum
borrowing terms for various capital projects.
4.I am sure that you have been talking with MWRA. Are there other municipalities
in their district looking at tanks right now?
ANSWER: We know of at least two non-or partial-MWRA communities (Wilmington
and Sharon) who are building or have recently built new elevated tanks instead of
rehabilitating an existing tank. I believe the Wilmington tank was completed in 2019
and the Sharon tank was bid in Dec. 2020 and is currently under construction. Both
communities are utilizing new, elevated, glass-fused-to-steel tanks.
5.can someone reach out to a company that chose not to bid on our project (asked
about bid, etc) to see if there is something about the RFQ that stopped them from
participating?
ANSWER: We reached out to contractors on the plan holders list who did not submit
a bid, and they were either too busy working on other projects or bidding other work or
had submitted quotes to perform the site work for the sole project bidder.
6.can you share what the contingency clause is from the responding bidder. would
iike to get a legal review of that clause so we understand implications as best we
can. did it include a cost de-escalation clause as well as a cost escalation
clause?
14
ANSWER: There was no contingency clause from the responding bidder. With
respect to price escalation/de-escalation, as a c.30, §39M project material price
adjustments apply as provided forunder c.30, §38A. Provisions are included within
Section 01250 of the bid documents. Otherwise, bidders are responsible for
performance at the awarded price for the specified duration of work.
Part of our construction administration scope of work will be to monitor relevant items
for applicability to the provision.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 13, 2021the Finance Committee
voted 7-1to recommend this Article to TownMeeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
Select BoardReport:At their meeting on September 14, 2021the Select Boardvoted 2-0-3to
supportthis Article.
ARTICLE 8To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board toacquire by
purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board
shall determine, aneasementover Gazebo Circlefor the purpose of accessing 160 Hopkins
Street-61)and further, to authorize the Select Board to enter into all
agreements and take all related actions necessary or appropriate to carry out said acquisition
and other acts authorized herein; or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:Subsequent Town Meeting in November 2020 authorized the Town to
borrow $1,100,000 to construct a new water booster station on town owned land located at 160
Hopkins Street.
The purpose of this article is to authorize the Select Board to accept an access easement over a
portion of Gazebo Circle adjacent to the town owned parcel at 160 Hopkins Street. The
easement will allow the Town all rights to access its land via a driveway from Gazebo Circle.
The easement will be used for operations and maintenance of the facility and property. The
easement will also be used during periods of construction including the construction of the
driveway.
The Board of Trustees of Summit Village will be gifting this easement to the Town.
Finance Committee Report:No report, as this will be gifted to the Town.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 9To see if the Town will vote to (1) authorize the Select Board to acquire
by purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise, on such terms and conditions as the Select
Board shall determine, a portion of land shown as Assessors Map 44 as Parcel 24 and is more
15
specifically shown as Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on an Approval Not Required Plan prepared by
Massachus
date of December 9, 2020 and which plan is on file with the Town Clerk, for not more than
$2,250,000.00 (two million two hundred fifty thousand dollars); (2) raise and appropriate,
borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay for
the cost of the acquisition and all other costs related and incidental thereto; and (3) authorize
the Select Board to enter into all agreements and take all related actions necessary or
appropriate to carry out said acquisition and other acts authorized herein; or take any other
action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:Action pending by the Select Board.
Finance Committee Report:Action pending.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
Select BoardReport:At their meeting on September 14, 2021the Select Boardvoted 2-2-1to
supportthis Article.
16
and you are directed to serve this Warrant,along with the written request of Town Moderator
Alan Fouldsdated September 9, 2021to hold this Special Town Meeting remotely, by posting
an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less
than fourteen (14) days prior to October 18, 2021, or providing in a manner such as electronic
submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town
Meeting Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town
Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
th
Given under our hands this __day of ___________, 2021.
_______________________
Karen Gately Herrick, Chair
_______________________
Anne DJ Landry, Vice Chair
_______________________
Mark L Dockser, Secretary
_______________________
Carlo Bacci
_______________________
Chris Haley
SELECT BOARDOF READING
_______________________________
, Constable
17
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Town of Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I ______________________________, on November 8,2021 notified
and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at
the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this SubsequentTown Meeting
Warrant, along with the written request of Town Moderator Alan Foulds dated September 9, 2021
asking that this SubsequentTown Meeting be held by remote participation pursuant to St. 2020,
c. 92, §8and St. 2021, c. 20, §9, in the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 3Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street
Precinct 4Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5Reading Public Library, 64 MiddlesexAvenue
Precinct 6Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive
Precinct 8Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days priortoNovember 8,2021,the date
set for SubsequentTown Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused a posting of this Warrant
SubsequentTown Meeting,tobe published on the Town of Reading website on
_______________, 2021.
_____________________________________________
Constable
A true copy Attest:
_____________________________________________
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
18
SUBSEQUENTTOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any 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 the Local Elections and Town
affairs, to meet in accordance with Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020and Chapter 20 of the Acts of
2021and through the Zoom platform onMONDAY, the EIGHTHDAY of NOVEMBERA.D.,
2021
atseven thirty
upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions
of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
Members of the public may access and witness the deliberations and actions taken at the
SubsequentTown Meeting in the following manner: RCTV,Facebook,or on local public access
television. Town Meeting members and Town officials shall receive a link to join the Zoom video
conferencing platform to participate in the SubsequentTown Meeting. Non-Town Meeting
Members who are registered voters residing in the Town who wish to participate in the
SubsequentTown Meeting must submit a request to participate to the Town Clerk not less than
48 hours in advance of the SubsequentTown Meeting, and when submitting this request, non-
Town Meeting Members who wish to make a comment, ask a question, or otherwise address
Town Meeting, should contact Town Clerk Laura Gemme (lgemme@ci.reading.ma.usor 781-
942-6647) with the following information: (a) First and Last Name, (b) Street Address, (c) Phone
Number, (d) Email Address, and (e) Article(s) he or she would like to speak to, and once verified,
shall receive follow up information with specific participation instructions for the meeting.
If, onNovember 8, 2021, the Town Meeting elects not to hold the SubsequentTown Meeting
remotely, then the Town Meeting shall adjourn to Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts
Center, 62 Oakland Road, ReadingonMondayNovember15, 2021at seven thirty
evening.
ARTICLE 1To hear and acton the reports of the SelectBoard, School Committee,
Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager,
Town Accountantand any other Town Official, Board or Committee.
Select Board
19
Background:This article appears on the Warrant for all Town Meetings. At this Subsequent
Town Meeting, the Moderator has requested that reports be submitted in writingin advance,
although there are no known reports at this time.
ARTICLE 2To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given to Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and
to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds,
or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out the
instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:This Article appears on the Warrant of all Town Meetings. There are no known
Instructional Motions at this time. The Town Moderator requires that all proposed Instructional
Motions be submitted to the Town Clerk prior to Town Meeting so that Town Meeting Members
Instructional Motions are normally held until the end of all other business at Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 3To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2022-32Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as
previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Bylaw (section 6.1.3) statesNo funds may be appropriated for any capital item unless such
item is included in the Capital Improvements Program, and is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal
Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that
changes to a long-term Capital Improvements Program (CIP) are adequately described.
The following changes are proposed to the FY2022FY2032CIP (current year plus ten years):
General Fund
FY22: net changes
FY23:net changes
FY24+
Various other changes made
Enterprise Funds Water
FY22: net changes
FY23: net changes
20
FY24+
Various changes made
Enterprise Funds Sewer
FY22:
FY23:
FY24+
Various changes made
Enterprise Funds Storm Water
FY22: None
FY23: None
FY24+
Various changes made
Finance Committee Report:The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments
to the FY 2022FY 2031Capital Improvements Program by a vote of xxx at their meeting on
September 30, 2021. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite first step
but in itself does not authorize spending funds towards these items
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 4
Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2021, as adopted under Article 16of the Annual Town Meeting
of April 26, 2021and amended under Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting of October 18, 2021;
and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from availablefunds,
or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the amounts appropriated under
said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other
action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
Background:
General Fund Wages and Expenses
Account LineDescriptionDecreaseIncrease
B99 -BenefitsWorker Comp Insurance -$20,000$20,000
G92 Administrative Property & Casualty Insurance +$65,000$65,000
Services expenses
J91 Public Safety Public Health Nurse +$27,000$3,000
WagesHealth Inspectors -$24,000
21
J92 Public Safety Health Inspectors (outsourced) +$10,000$10,000
Expenses
K92 Public Works Town Forest tree project+$50,000$50,000
Expenses
Subtotals$20,000$128,000
Net Operating Expenses$108,000
From Free Cash$108,000
Enterprise Funds
Account LineDescriptionDecreaseIncrease
W99 Water EFEmerson Avenue Water Main work $435,000
$400,000
Unidirectional flushing program $35,000
S99 Sewer EFSturges SewerStation project $250,000$250,000
Subtotals$685,000
Net Operating Expenses$685,000
FromWater EF Reserves$435,000
From Sewer EF Reserves$250,000
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 30, 2021the Finance Committee
voted xxxto recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 5To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay bills remaining unpaid from
prior fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:Sharon to complete
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 30, 2021the Finance Committee
voted xxxto recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
22
ARTICLE 6To see if the Town will vote to amendSection 4.6 ofthe Zoning Bylaw as
follows, with additions being shown in bolditalicsand deletions being struck through:
4.6.2Applicability
4.6.2.1Properties containing single-family or two-family structuresdwellings
as a principal useare exempt from Site Plan Review. Routine
maintenance, and in-kind replacement of lighting, mechanical systems
and landscape features are exempt from Site PlanReview.
4.6.2.2 Except as otherwise specified in Section 4.6.2.1, Site Plan Review is
required if the proposed construction, Change of Use,or site alteration
involves any of the following:
a An increase in gross floor area of 500 square feet or more, via the
creation of new floor area, that results in the requirement for
or addition of 2 or more parking spaces (regardless of parking-
related exemptions or waivers); or
b AcChange of uUse (from one use category to another)within a
structure containingan existing public,institutional or
commercial use;an existingmulti-family dwellingstructure;or a
structure containing more than one use; to a use permitted by
Special Permit from the CPDC.;
c the addition of 2 or more parking spaces, a change to the layout
or location of 2 or more parking spaces, an increase in pavement
of more than 300 square feet, or the alteration of any driveway.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the
requirements of Site Plan Review set forth in other provisions of
the Zoning Bylaw.
4.6.2.3Except as otherwise specified in Section 4.6.2.1 or Section 4.6.2.2,
Minor Site Plan Review is required if the proposed construction,
Change of Use,modification to use,or site alteration involves any of
the following:
aAn increase in gross floor area of 500 square feet or more
either by the creation of new floor area or by the expansion of
an existing use into adjacent space within an existing
structure;
bThe addition of 2 or more parking spaces, a change to the
layout or location of 2 or more parking spaces, an increase in
pavement of more than 300 square feet, or the alteration of any
driveway. Changes that exclusively address minor pre-
existing site safety or circulation issues may qualify for
23
Administrative Approval under regulations issued pursuant to
Section 4.6.3.1;
cA Change of Use within a structure containing an existing
public, institutional or commercial use; an existing multi-
family dwelling; or a structure containing more than one use,
to a use permitted by-right;
d.Exterior alteration of 500 square feet or more of horizontal or
vertical area that is limited to doors, paint, awnings, railings, step
replacement, handicapped ramps or building code compliance
measures, for a site within the Business B ZoningDistrict;
e.Redevelopment or alteration of a site, or the interior of a building, in
such a manner that the proposed site or building function is
anticipated to generate unreasonable visual or auditory impacts to
abutters;
f.An existing site that becomes a nuisance to public health, safety or
welfare (i.e. due to routine traffic spillover, excessive noise, site
illumination beyond the hours of operation, etc.) as evidenced by
substantiated complaints to the Police Department and/or Public
ServicesOffice; or
g.Outdoor Commerce, Dining, Programming, or Storage.
4.6.3Minor Site PlanReview
4.6.3.1The CPDC, through regulation, may authorize the Community
Development Director to grant Administrative Approval for a Minor Site
Plan Review, with or without conditions, providedifthe proposed
construction, expansion,oralteration orChange of Useis not
anticipated to result in anyadverse impact on surroundingareas.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:Article 6 is an amendment to Section 4.6 of the Zoning Bylaw, Site Plan
Review, which is a subparagraph of Administration(Section 4). Site Plan Review, administered
by the CPDC, is used to manage the impacts of new development and redevelopment of land
and structures. Site Plan Review triggers were modified in 2016 from being overly broad and
capturing too many projects, to being more targeted and capturing projects with specific
implications. However, it has recently become clear that the triggers do not capture all projects
the CPDC wishes to review, and that they need additional fine tuning.
Article 6 reworks the triggers for Site Plan Review and Minor Site Plan Review in an effort to
ensure that the CPDC has the appropriate level of review for projects that propose changes to
uses, sites, structures, parking and/or circulation.
24
Properties containing single-family or two-family dwellings, and routine maintenance and in-kind
replacement will remain exempt from Site Plan Review. In addition, the provision allowing the
CPDC to authorize Administrative Approval of certain Minor Site Plan Review applications will
remain.
Finance Committee Report:No report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
CPDC Report:On Monday, July 12, 2021, the CPDC convened to hold a public
hearing on the proposed Article 6. All documents were made available on the town website.
The public hearing was held to provide an opportunity for comment and to determine whether
the provisions of the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment shall be adopted by the Town.
The July 12, 2021 public hearing was opened at approximately 9:30 p.m. Any comments
received at the hearing were included as part of the record of the hearing.
The public hearing was continued to Monday, August 16, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. to allow time for
further discussion and public input.
On August 16, 2021 the hearing was closed. On September 13, 2021, theCPDC voted 5-0-0 to
recommend Article 6to Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 7To see if the Town will approve the $317,422,620borrowing authorized by the
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Committee, for the purpose of paying costs
of designing, engineering, constructing and equipping the New Northeast Metropolitan Regional
Vocational School and related athletic facilities located at 100 Hemlock Road in Wakefield, MA 01880,
have an anticipated useful life as an educational facility for the instruction of school children of at least
50 years and for which the District may be eligible for a school construction grant from the
e expended at the direction of
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Committee.
current enrollments, is approximately $8,177,164, whichamount will be reduced to the extent of MSBA
grants received by the District, resulting in an estimated net share of principal allocable to the Town,
exclusive of interest, of approximately $4,548,660.
-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined
by the MSBA, and any Project costs the District incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received
from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the District and its member municipalities. Any grant
that the District may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) seventy-
six and eighty-four one hundredths percent (76.84%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined
by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA;
or take any other action relative thereto.
Select Board
25
Background:forthcoming from NEMVRS
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on September 30, 2021the Finance Committee
voted xxxto recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 8
Section 2.1.3 Notification
Within seven (7) days of being notified being elected a Town Meeting Member you shall provide
the Town Clerk with your street addressand a phone contact number for publication and to
renumber the present 3.1.3 to 2.1,4 EtC.
By Petition
Background:
Finance Committee Report:No report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
ARTICLE 9
Temporary Halt to 40R Project Approvals Until Impacts Are Mitigated and 40R Zoning is Revised
to Reduce Density.
To see if the Town will vote to mitigate adverse 40R zoning project impacts on neighboring
properties that are now evidenced by visual, acoustic, shadow, excessive density,and other
impacts; and to mitigate unanticipated 40R zoning project pressures on street parking supply that
are now negatively impacting residents and businesses alike; by halting any new Plan Review
approvals of projects using 40R zoning provisions untildensity-reducing revisions to the 40R
zoning code are considered and approved by Town Meeting, or to take any other action with
respect thereto.
By Petition
Background:
Finance Committee Report:No report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report.
26
and youare directed to serve this Warrant,along with the written request of Town Moderator Alan
Fouldsdated September 9, 2021to hold this SubsequentTown Meeting remotely, by posting an
attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than
fourteen (14) days prior to November 8, 2021, or providing in a manner such as electronic
submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting
Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town
Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
th
Given under our hands this __day of ___________, 2021.
_______________________
Karen Gately Herrick, Chair
_______________________
Anne DJ Landry, Vice Chair
_______________________
Mark L Dockser, Secretary
_______________________
Carlo Bacci
_______________________
Chris Haley
SELECT BOARDOF READING
_______________________________
, Constable
27
28
29
30
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
2016-09-22 LAG
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2021-09-13 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Ed Ross, Vice Chair Jeanne Borawski, Eric Burkhart, Geoffrey Coram
(remote), Marianne Downing, Jackie McCarthy, Joe McDonagh, Mark Zarrow
Members - Not Present:
Andrew Mclauchlan
Others Present:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Police
Chief David Clark, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, Karen Herrick
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in-person and remotely via Zoom.
Chair Ed Ross called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and
th
review and vote on the October 18 Special Town Meeting warrant articles, review the
financial articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting in November, approve minutes, and
address some housekeeping items at the end of the meeting. He noted that he would like
to add liaison reports on all future agendas, so members can share just the finance related
items from their assignments. He also announced that the Select Board is accepting
applications for the Town Manager Screening Committee.
Review and Vote on Financial Articles for October 18 Special Town Meeting:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur reviewed the financial articles on the Special Town Meeting
warrant.
Article 3 is for changes to the Capital Plan. The only change asks for the Capital Plan to be
amended to add $250,000 to be funded at the November Town Meeting for the sewer
station project.
Article 4 is for amendments to the operating budget. The C99 Capital Projects line item is
increased by $385,000. Changes are fully paid for by transferring other funds.
Article 5 seeks debt authorization for $1.5 million for improvements to the Police Station.
The project will be done in two parts: the first part to finish the expansion space to convert
it to an emergency center/conference room/training room, and the second part to convert
the downstairs conference room into office and conference space for the Coalition and Public
Health. Facilities Director Joe Huggins explained that construction costs have increased
dramatically in the last 18 months, and the number includes construction materials,
prevailing wage rates, furniture and fixtures to complete the spaces. Chief Clark explained
31
Page | 1
that the Coalition occupies a small office right now, and when a Mental Health Professional
is hired, they will need a spot to sit.
Article 6 seeks debt authorization for $5 million for performance contracting. The Climate
Advisory Committee is hosting a meeting next week where Noresco will have a presentation
on projects that the Town can do to save money and energy. There was a 17% energy
savings, about $400,000 annual savings, as a result of the first phase of performance
contracting. The Committee discussed why some projects were included in the Green
Communities plan, but not included in performance contracting projects. Per Noresco, there
are other projects that can yield savings for the Town, such as solar, that do not meet the
definition for Green Communities. Replacing the boilers at the schools was included in the
Green Communities application because they need to be done, they qualify, and pricing was
guaranteed with the Green Communities application. Karen Herrick expressed concern with
potential changes in law and technology, and being tied to gas boilers for the next 20 years,
while trying to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030/2040. Mr. Huggins explained
that the boilers are reaching their end of life and are being replaced with more efficient and
more reliable boilers. To electrify existing buildings, and remove the need for boilers, would
be a much larger project and require a huge amount of money.
Article 7 seeks debt authorization for an additional $2.5 million for the Auburn Street water
tank replacement. The Town could borrow the funds, and use water reserve funds, or ARPA
funds to pay the debt, though the community still needs to have a discussion on how to use
the ARPA funds. Ms. McCarthy asked if an updated comparison of maintenance and
replacement costs could be done given the increase in costs, so that the decision to replace
the tank could be reassessed, as the last comparison was done in 2016. Mr. LeLacheur
noted that the Town Engineer provided a memo that said the cost of painting also increased
and replacing the tank eliminates the need to take communication equipment off every 15
years. The break even factored in future operations and maintenance. Even though the
Town does not need a tank, because it is connected to the MWRA at both ends of town, the
Fire Chief has expressed a desire for a water tank to fight fires without having to rely on
MWRA.
The Select Board needs to discuss Article 9, regarding the purchase of land off of Grove
Street, at their meeting tomorrow evening before the Finance Committee can vote on it.
Mr. Ross volunteered to provide all warrant article reports at Town Meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Burkhart, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 3 as written.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Ms. Downing, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 4 as written.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Zarrow, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 5 as written.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Zarrow, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 6 as written.
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Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Ms. Borawski made a motion to approve Article 7 as written, which was seconded by Ms.
Downing.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Burkhart, the Finance
Committee voted 7-1-0 to amend Article 7 to indicate that $2.5 million is to be
debt, but explain the flexibility to pay that debt with other funding sources, such
as ARPA funds or water reserve funds, in the future.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-No, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Having been a motion made by Ms. Borawski and seconded by Ms. Downing, the
Finance Committee voted 7-1-0 to approve Article 7 as amended.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-No, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Review Financial Articles for November Subsequent Town Meeting:
Mr. LeLacheur quickly previewed the articles on the November Subsequent Town Meeting
warrant. There are articles for amendments to the Capital Plan and the Operating Budget.
However, there may not be any other changes needed following the October Special Town
Meeting. There will be an article added for prior years bills, and articles for a zoning bylaw,
and a petition bylaw. There is an article to authorize the borrowing of the Northeast
MetroTech Vocational School to build a new school. There will likely be a presentation on
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the school at the September 30 meeting.
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Upcoming meetings include the Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 18, Financial
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Forum II on Wednesday, October 20, and a second night for Special Town Meeting if
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needed on Thursday, October 21.
Minutes:
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Zarrow, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of August 31, 2021.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Last Minute Reminders:
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Ms. Borawski suggested adding a discussion to the September 30 meeting agenda about
how the decisions about ARPA funds will be made, and who will make them.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Ms. Downing, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to adjourn at 8:51 pm.
Roll call vote: Geoffrey Coram-Yes, Jackie McCarthy-Yes, Joe McDonagh-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
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