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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-10 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 Via Zoom Webinar The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:30 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. ARTICLE 6: Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 6 Counted Vote 110 in the affirmative 1 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 7: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town ratify the vote taken under Article 5 of this Town Meeting to amend the Fiscal Year 2021 Operating Budget by appropriating Seven Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand and Four Hundred Dollars ($793,400) from the General Fund and to transfer Seventy Three Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($73,600) from the Water Enterprise Fund, Twenty Five Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500) from the Sewer Enterprise Fund, and Eleven Thousand and Two Hundred ($11,200) from the Storm Water Enterprise Fund for the purpose of funding the Other Post -Employment Benefit Liability Trust Funds as modified In the revised budget lines in Article 5. Presentation given by: • Sharon Angstrom - See Attached Background: Each year at Annual Town Meeting we ask to transfer funds budgeted for OPEB from that line to the actual OPEB Trust in this Article. Sometimes due to budget surpluses in health insurance premiums we have increased the budgeted contribution figures; we are prepared but have not yet needed to ask to lower the budgeted contribution figures to cover health insurance premium deficits. Recent contributions to the Trust on behalf of the General Fund have been $800,000 (FY19) and $700,000 (FY20) - each a bit higher than budgeted. Actuarially the eventual required annual contribution for the General Fund Is between $1.5 to $2.0 million. It is understood that once our Pension Fund is actuarially fully funded (by about 2029), a large shift away from funding annual pension contributions and towards funding OPEB will occur, and on balance the total funding needed should be lower than the current combined totals. In the meanwhile, targeted annual OPEB contributions are about $0.5 million. Due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, lune 2020 Town Meeting approved a reduced annual FY21 contribution of $100,000. The Town Manager's FY22 budget proposes a similar $100,000 figure in recognition of ongoing revenue uncertainty. This spring, the Public Employee's Committee (PEC), a group of all Town, School and Light department unions, plus representation for Retirees, will be negotiating health insurance renewals with town management. We intend to discuss the OPEB situation, and try to find a way to address the two-year (FY21 and FY22) contribution shortfall. Historically the PEC has been an outstanding partner in keeping our annual health insurance premium expenses (including enrollment increases) below 3% over a ten-year period. Town Meeting is therefore requested to make the following annual transfers of funds for the OPEB Trust Fund: General Fund $100,000; Water Fund $60,000; Sewer Fund $22,000; Storm Water Fund $10,000 for a total of $192,000 of all these OPEB contributions to the trust for Other Post Employment Benefit liabilities. ulna,. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 30, 2021 via Zoom Webinar Any changes made possible through negotiations with the PEC will be seen as an amendment to these amounts on Town Meeting Floor. The most recent OPEB valuation shows the Town's OPEB liability at $73.8 million and 8.1% funded as of June 30, 2020. The three Enterprise Funds and the Light Department are on a full funding schedule, and the General Fund is on a partial funding schedule. As noted, the General Fund will transition to a full funding schedule as soon as possible, as is required by law or immediately after the Pension Fund is fully funded. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. At April 2, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 162 in the affirmative 1 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 9: Motion by the Select Board that the Town vote to amend Section 6.5.2 6,62 of the General Bylaw, establishing the Inspection Revolving Fund as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through: 6.5.2 Inspection Revolving Fund Funds held in the Inspection Revolving Fund shall be used for legal costs, oversight and inspection, plan review, property appraisals and appeals, public services general management, pedestrian safety improvements, records archiving, and other costs related to building, plumbing, wiring, gas and other permits required for large construction projects and shall be expended by the Town Manager. Receipts credited to this fund shall Include building, plumbing, wiring, gas and other permit fees for the Schoolhouse Commons, The Metropolitan at Reading Station, Postmark Square, 20-24 Gould Street, 467 Main Street, Oaktree, Addison-Wesley/Pearson, Johnson Woods, Eaton Lakeview (23-25 Lakeview Avenue and 128 Eaton Street), 258 Main Street, 267 Main Street, 531 Main Street, 25 Haven Street, and 18-20 Woburn Street developments; and that the annual spending limits for the revolving funds are set as follows: Revolving Spending Revenue Allowed ExpendituYear End Account Authority SourceExpenses Balance Limits Conservation Conservation Fees as provided for Consulting and $25,000 Available Commission Commission in Reading General engineering services for Consulting Bylaws Section 5.7, for the review of expenditure Fees Wetlands Protection designs and next year engineering work for the protection of wetlands. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 Inspection Town Building, Plumbing, Legal, oversight and $250,000 Available Revolving Manager Wiring, Gas and inspection, plan for Fund other permits for the review, initial expenditure projects listed in the property appraisals next year Article. and appeals, Public Services planning and general management, curb, sidewalks and pedestrian safety improvements, records archiving and other project related costs. Public Health Board of Clinic fees, charges Materials and costs $25,000 Available Clinics and Health and third -party associated with for Services reimbursements clinics and public expenditure health programs next ear Library Fines Library Charges for lost or Acquire Library $15,000 Available and Fees Director and damaged Library materials to replace for Trustees materials lost or damaged expenditure and fees from items, and for the next year printing, faxing or maintenance, similar upkeep and supplies supplementary fee- for supplementary based services. fee-based services Mattera Facilities Rental Fees Utilities and all other $10,000 Available Cabin Director maintenance and for Operating operating expenses expenditure next year Town Forest Director of Sale of timber; fees Planning and $10,000 Available Public Works for use of the Town Improvements to for upon the Forest the Town Forest expenditure recommendat next year ion of the Town Forest Committee Presentation given by: • Sharon Angstrom - See Attached Backaround: No changes are suggested from last year (library text clarified). • Conservation Consultina Revolving Fund - These funds are used to receive payments from applicants, hire expert consultants where required, and return the balance to the applicant. The balance in this Fund as of March 2021 is $13.326• • Inspections Revolving Fund - The balance available as of March 2021 in this fund is $790,417 and of that total $190,000 is proposed by the Town Manager as part of the FY22 budget {$140,000 to support Economic Development wages and expenses; and $50,000 to offset Building Inspections division wages). 3 1 Page ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 Health Clinic Revolving Fund - The Reading Health Division contracts for third party payments for a number of immunizations. The funds are used to augment the influenza vaccine supply from the State Department of Public Health to insure vaccine for the homebound clients and first responders. The Division also uses these funds for materials for other screening clinics. Clinic client fees are also deposited into this fund to offset vaccine and clinical supply costs. The balance available as of March 2021 in this fund is $25,676. The State has been cutting back on the free flu and other vaccines to be distributed to cities and towns, and the Town therefore needs to purchase extra doses. The necessary amounts used for clinic vaccine, supplies and staff salaries related to the clinics each year directly from the revolving fund is therefore approximately $25,000. • Library Fines and Fees Fund - The balance available as of March 2021 in this fund is $8.764. The added flexibility in use of this fund approved by Annual Town Meeting one year ago has been helpful. • Mattera Cabin Operating Fund - Some of the use of the Cabin Is revenue generating, and this Article allows those revenues to be used directly for the operating expenses of the cabin. The balance available as of March 2021 in this fund is V. In response to a previous instructional motion by Town Meeting, the Town Manager moved the responsibility for both the Matters Cabin and Cemetery garage to the Facilities department. Town Forest Revolving Fund was created in 2011. The purpose is to allow revenues from controlled timber harvesting and permit fees to then be spent by the DPW Director upon the recommendation of the Town Forest Committee, on improvements to the Town Forest. The Town Forest Committee has had a forest stewardship plan created (through a grant) to make recommendations on forest management including controlled timber harvesting. The balance available as of March 2021 in this fund is N. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 167 in the affirmative 3 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 10: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to approve an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan pursuant to Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 entitled "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF READING TO ESTABLISH AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND". Presentation given by: • Jean Delios - See Attached Background: The State has a strong and bipartisan goal of building more affordable housing, and considers Reading a model community in this area. Town staff has been invited to speak at housing symposiums and the Town has received numerous related planning grants. The Town has achieved the 10% affordable benchmark set by statute. Reading is the lead community and is joined by North Reading, Wilmington and Saugus in sharing a Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO). The RHSO monitors and 4l Page ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar administers affordable housing requirements including tracking and updating the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) and maintaining ready buyer and ready renter lists, among other responsibilities. Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 authorized the Town of Reading to establish a separate fund known as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The AHTF requires Town Meeting approval of an annual allocation plan submitted by the Select Board. AHTF expenditures require approval by a majority vote of the full combined membership of the Select Board and the Reading Housing Authority. AHTF uses of funds include: • Create or preserve affordable housing; • Maintain or operate affordable housing; • Develop new or rehabilitate existing housing as affordable homeownership or rental units; Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan FY 2022 Pursuant to Article 10 of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan for the Fiscal Year 2022 in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 is as follows: Available Balance - Unrestricted Funds: $387,252 Available Balance - Restricted Funds, $0 Unrestricted funds shall be used for the following purposes: 5% up to a maximum of $10,000 for administration of Affordable Housing Remainder for constructing affordable housing (including loan and grant programs); or for maintaining and improving affordability of existing housing stock; or for the purchase of existing housing stock to add it to or maintain it as a part of the The purpose of the Affordable Housing Allocation Plan is to provide a framework for the Town to expend funds on affordable housing. The current AHTF balance of $387,252 reflects revenue generated through the actions of the CPDC, as well as proceeds from the loss of an affordable unit. There are no Town tax aenerated funds in the AHTF. The only expenditure to date from the AHTF, in the amount of $200,000, was to assist Oaktree development with financing affordable housing at 30 Haven Street. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 164 in the affirmative 7 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried 51Page ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar ARTICLE 11: Motion made by the Select Board at the recommendation of the Board of Assessors that the Town vote to accept Clause Twenty-second G of M.G.L. c.59, §5 for real estate that is the domicile of a person but is owned by a trustee, conservator or other fiduciary for the person's benefit if the real estate would be eligible for exemption under clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second D, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F of M.G.L. c.59, §5 if the person were the owner of the real estate. Presentation given by: • Victor Santaniello - See Attached • Kevin Bohmiller - See Attached Backaround: Adoption of Clause 22G will enable veterans who own property in a trust that is not a life estate to apply for their earned Veteran's Disability Exemption which is reimbursed by the state. Reading has about 150 veterans who qualify yearly for a disabled veteran's exemption. Assessing staff do not expect a significant number of new applicants. In fact, over the last several years, only one veteran could have qualified, but instead they changed the family trust. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: At their meeting on March 10, 2021 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the content of this Article to Town Meeting. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 174 In the affirmative 1 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 12: Motion made by the Select Board at the recommendation of the Board of Assessors that the Town vote to accept Clause Twenty-second H of M.G.L. C. 59, § 5 to exempt from taxation certain real property of and occupied by parents or guardians of military personnel who were killed in action or injured in action that subsequently caused their death, or military personnel missing in action and presumed dead, subject to residency requirements. Presentation given by: • Victor Santaniello - See Attached • Kevin Bohmiller - See Attached Backaround: Adoption of Clause 22H will provide tax relief for Gold Star parents, who have suffered the loss of an Immediate family member who died while serving in a time of conflict. Assessing staff are unaware of any Gold Start parents living in Reading today, and hope to never utilize this clause. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: At their meeting on March 10, 2021 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the content of this Article to Town Meeting. 6l vage ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 165 in the affirmative 5 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 13: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Three Million Dollars (43.000.000) for the purpose of making improvements including full replacement of the Reading Memorial High School Stadium Track and Turf Field, including the costs of consulting services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and, for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, is authorized to borrow said sum in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority; that the School Committee, Select Board, Town Manager, or any other agency or official of the Town, is authorized to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said project; and that Town Manager is authorized to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount. Presentation given by: . Bob LeLacheur - See Attached Background: In the fall 2020 a series of three Financial Forums resulted in the Finance Committee allocating more Free Cash to support the FY22 budgets specifically to Increase the amount of capital spending for the next few years. Town and School management examined five possible projects in order to include in the capital plan, or to request funding sooner than scheduled, along with updated cost estimates. The prioritized results Included (1) $3.2 million for the RMHS Stadium Turf Field replacement and Track resurfacing; (2) $2.9 million for the Parker Middle School roof replacement; (3) $1.5 million for the RMHS Fieldhouse Flooring and Bleacher replacement; (4) $0.3 million for the RMHS Ropes Course; and (5) $2.8 million for the Coolidge Middle School roof replacement. The RMHS Stadium Turf Field and Track project includes a $250,000 capital request in the FY22 budget, plus this debt approval for $3.0 million to complete the entire project. The capital request would fund the design work and securing an Owner's Project Management, a requirement under procurement laws for this scope of work. Preliminary design work would proceed from July to November 2021, then the project would be bid out for expected construction to be between lune and August 2022. The Field and Track would be expected to be ready for the Fall 2022 sports season. Note that this project was previously listed on the Capital Plan on page 27 of the November 2020 Subsequent Town Meeting, but no specific funding date or strategy had been identified. Specific estimates for the Turf Field replacement ($1.9 million) include $1.5 million of direct costs plus $0.4 million for contingency and an allowance for inflation escalation through 2022. Specific estimates for the Track replacement ($1.1 million) include $0.8 million of direct costs plus $0.3 million in contingency and an allowance for inflation escalation through 2022. 7Ivage ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar The upcoming design process would spec out further details, but typically a project includes additional items that could be included, also known as'add-alternates', if the bid prices are favorable. Two examples for this project could include a scoreboard replacement ($35-40k) and a new sound system ($45-50k). FINCOM's insistence that replacement of RMHS Turf II field happen more quickly than planned has resulted in a completed project that came in on time and on budget, and improved field playability as well as player safety. A similar outcome would be anticipated for the Stadium Turf and Track project. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken 2/3m Vote Required 162 In the affirmative 14 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 14: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of IWR Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2.700.000) for the purpose of making improvements including full replacement of the Parker Middle School Roof, including the costs of consulting services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and, for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, is authorized to borrow said sum in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority; that the School Committee, Select Board, Town Manager, or any other agency or official of the Town, is authorized to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said project; and that Town Manager is authorized to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount. Presentation given by: • Bob LeLacheur - See Attached Background: As shown under the Background for Article 13, the second ranked priority by Town and School management was replacement of the Parker Middle School roof. The Parker Middle School roof replacement project also includes a $250,000 capital request in the FY22 budget, plus this debt approval for $2.7 million to complete the entire project. The capital request would fund the design work and securing an Owner's Project Management, also a requirement under procurement laws for this scope of work. Design, bidding and construction would be similar to the Turf and Track project to minimize interference with the typical school year. This project would also be expected to be completed in time for September 2022 school opening. The roof includes about 105,000 square feet to be replaced, at an estimated cost of $25/sq. ft. SIPage ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar Preliminary design work would proceed from July to November 2021, then the project would be bid out for expected construction to be between June and August 2022. The Field and Track would be expected to be ready for the Fall 2022 sports season. Note that this project was previously listed on the Capital Plan on page 28 of the November 2020 Subsequent Town Meeting and funded for $1.6 million to begin in FY25. The scope has changed to include the entire roof, to consider so-called green communities' options for energy efficiency, and to move to project up to be funded sooner. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report After some discussion a vote was taken 2/31d Vote Required 164 in the affirmative 9 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 15: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to accept and expend such sum of money as may be available to the Town pursuant to Chapter 90, Section 34 of the Massachusetts General Laws as reimbursement for the costs of repair, construction, maintenance or preservation of the Town's roads and bridges and other related costs that qualify under the State Aid Highway Guidelines adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; and to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in anticipation of such reimbursement, in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Presentation given by: e Bob LeLacheur - See Attached Backaround: This is an annual article whereby Town Meeting is asked to grant permission for the Town to accept additional roadway maintenance from the State, called Chapter 90 funding. Annual funding has been at the $600,000 area for many years, with exceptions when the state has surplus funds to allocate to this purpose. Proposed preliminary funding for FY22 is $594,643. Finance Committee Report: At their meeting on March 17, 2021 the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Counted Vote 170 in the affirmative 0 In the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried slPage ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar ARTICLE 17: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the properties off Lowell Street and Willow Street, shown on Assessors' Map 26 as Lots 50 & 32 (previously referred to as Plat 99, lots 2 and 21) which properties together contains 5.82 acres, more or less, to the Reading Conservation Commission, for the sole purpose of open space management; provided, however, that the Reading Department of Public Works shall have the right to replace, repair, maintain, and make necessary improvements to the existing sewer drains on the properties as shown on the following plans on file with the Town Clerk: 1. A plan of land entitled "Plan Showing Taking for Proposed Sanitary Sewer and Force Main from Mineral Street to New Senior High School, Town of Reading, Board of Public Works," prepared by Whitman & Howard, Engineers, Boston, Mass., dated June 1953, Sheet 2 of 5 Sheets; 2. A plan of land entitled "Record Sewer Plan Interceptor Pumping Station to High School, Board of Public Works," prepared by Philip Welch, Superintendent, dated May 1959; 3. A plan of land entitled "Town of Reading Massachusetts, Board of Public Works, Easement Through Private Property for Drainage and Sewerage Purposes, Hunt Street," prepared by the Engineering Division, Phillip Welsh, Superintendent, dated September 1963, and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds on March 23, 1964, as Plan 266 of 1964; and 4. A plan of land entitled "Town of Reading Massachusetts, Board of Public Works, Record Sewer Plan Hunt St. and Interceptor No.1," prepared by the Engineering Division, Phillip Welsh, Superintendent, dated April 1965, such plans on file with the Town Clerk; and provided further that such transfer of care, custody, management and control shall be subject to such right of the Department of Public Works. Presentation given by: Bob LeLacheur - See Attached Backaround: The open space land bisected by the Aberjona River and bordered by Hunt Street, Lowell Street and Willow Street is referred to as the Mallet, Morgan, and Somes land, and is comprised of four (4) parcels. The Morgan and Somes parcels were successfully transferred to the Conservation Commission by deed. Unfortunately attempts to transfer these Mallet parcels to the Conservation Commission were unsuccessful. The Conservation Commission is requesting that the transfer of the Mallet land to the Conservation Commission be completed at 2021 Annual Town Meeting. Some related background follows: January 10, 1986: Letter from Camille Anthony, Chair of Conservation Commission, to Paul Dustin, Chair of Board of Selectmen requesting that the Mallet Property, which has "recently been taken by the Town as tax -possession land," be given to Conservation Commission. She also states that Article 17 of 1937 Annual Town Meeting could be used to convey the property to Conservation. February 7, 1986: Letter from John Agnew, Executive Secretary to Board of Selectmen, in response to the letter from Ms. Anthony above. He states that the Board of Selectmen "voted that this land be given to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission." The land was transferred under the authority of Article 17 of the 1937 Annual Town Meeting. 10 1 va,e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 Via Zoom Webinar September 13, 1999: Memo from Karen DeFrancesco, Conservation Administrator, to Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager. She states that the two Maillet parcels are still on the Tax Possession List of August 30, 1999 despite having been transferred to Conservation in 1986. She encloses the above letters to support the transfer. December 24, 2018: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur states in an email that Town Counsel could find no legal transfer of the land in Town or land court records. He further states that "Town Meeting took the issue up in the 1930s but never completed any action". January 8, 2019: The Select Board vote to ratify the Conservation Commission's management of the two Maillet parcels and to authorize the Conservation Commission to continue managing the land. March 2, 2021: The Select Board voted to declare these properties as surplus and that they were no longer needed for general municipal purposes, and recommended to Town Meeting that the care, custody, management and control of said properties be transferred from the Select Board to the Conservation Commission, for the sole purpose of open space management; provided, however, that the Department of Public Works shall have the right to replace, repair, maintain and make necessary improvement to existing sewer drains on these properties. Finance Committee Report: No report Bylaw Committee Report: No report Motion made by Jamie Maughan, Precinct 4 to amend as follows Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the properties off Lowell Street and Willow Street, shown on Assessors' Map 26 as Lots 50 & 32 (previously referred to as Plat 99, lots 2 and 21) which properties together contains 5.82 acres, more or less, to the Reading Conservation Commission, for the sole purpose of open space management; provided, however, that the Reading Department of Public Works, following coordination with the Conservation Agent or Conservation Commission shall have the right to replace, repair, maintain, and make necessary improvements to the existing sewer drains on the properties as shown on the following plans on file with the Town Clerk: Counted Vote 93 in the affirmative 76 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Motion made by John Halsey, Precinct 1 to move the question on the amendment provided by Jamie Maughan. 2/3f° Vote Required 146 in the affirmative 26 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance i1IPage ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar Motion Carried Motion made by Eileen Litterio, Precinct 8 to amend as follows: May 10, 2021 Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the properties off Lowell Street and Willow Street, shown on Assessors' Map 26 as Lots 50 & 32 (previously referred to as Plat 99, lots 2 and 21) which properties together contains 5.82 acres, more or less, to the Reading Conservation Commission, for the sole purpose of open space management; provided, however, that the Reading Department of Public Works, In fallowing coordination with the Conservation Agent or Conservation Commission shall have the right to replace, repair, maintain, and make necessary improvements to the existing sewer drains on the properties as shown on the following plans on file with the Town Clerk: Counted Vote 90 in the affirmative 79 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Motion made by Laura loelson, Precinct 5 to move the question on the amendment provided by Jamie Maughan. 2/3'^ Vote Required 131 in the affirmative 36 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Motion made by Alicia Williams, Precinct 8 to move the question on the main article Motion Carried 2/3'^ Vote Required 139 in the affirmative 29 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Counted Vote 162 in the affirmative 11 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried as Amended 121 Page ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 ARTICLE 18: Motion made by the Community Planning and Development Commission to see if the Town will vote to amend Section 7.9, Stormwater Management and Erosion Control, of the General Bylaw as follows: 1. By revising Section 7.9.2, Definitions, as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through: 7.9.2 Definitions Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and terms, as used in Section 7.9, shall have the following meanings: 7.9.2.1 Applicant Any person requesting a Stormwater Permit. 7.9.2.2 Best Management Practice (BMP) An activity, procedure, restraint, or structural improvement that helps to reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff. 7.9.2.3 Common Plan of Development or Sale Any plan reflected in an announcement, documentation or physical demarcation indicating Tthat mere multiple distinct construction activities are or may be undertaken on a Site or on contiguous Sites, either simultaneously or at different times or on different schedules, that are shown under one (1) plan. For example, if a developer buys a 20 -acre lot and builds roads, installs pipes, and runs electricity with the intention of constructing homes or other structures sometimes in the future, this would be considered a larger common plan of development or sale. If the land is parceled off or sold, and construction occurs on plots that are less than one acre by separate, independent builders, this activity still would be subject to stormwater permitting requirements if the smaller plots were included on the original site plan. 7.9.2.4 Construction and Waste Materials Excess or discarded building or site materials at a construction site, including concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter and sanitary waste, that may adversely impact water quality. 7.9.2.5 Critical Area Any of the following: An Outstanding Resource Water or Special Resource Water as designated in 314 CMR 4.00, a recharge area for a public water supply as defined in 310 CMR 22.02 (a Zone I, Zone II, or Interim Wellhead Protection Area for a groundwater source or a Zone A for a surface water source), a bathing beach as defined in 105 CMR 445.000, or a cold -water fishery as defined in 310 CMR 10.04. 7.9.2.56 Erosion The wearing away of the land surface by natural or artificial forces such as wind, water, ice, gravity, or vehicle traffic and the subsequent detachment and transportation of soil particles. 13 i Pa g ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 7.9.2.67 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan A document prepared by a qualified professional engineer or a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sedimentation Control, that specifies best management practices designed to control surface runoff, erosion and sedimentation during land -disturbing activities prior to or during construction. 7.9.2.-78 Grading Changing the level or shape of the ground surface. 7.9.2.89 Impervious Surface Any artificial material or structure on or above the ground that prevents water from infiltrating the underlying soil. Impervious Surfaces may include roads, paved parking lots, sidewalks, and rooftops. 7.9.2.10 Impaired Water A water is impaired if it does not meet one or more of its designated use(s). For purposes of this Bylaw, Impaired Waters are those classified as categories 4 and S of the five-part categorization approach used for classifying the water quality standards attainment status for water segments under the U.S. EPA Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. This classification is done by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in its "Integrated List of Waters," pursuant to Clean Water Act Section 303(d) (33 USC Section 1313(d)) and 40 CFR Section 130.7(b)(4). 7.9.2.911 Land -Disturbing Activity (or Disturbance of Land) Any activity that causes a change in the position or location of soil, sand, rock, gravel, or similar earth material. 7.9.2.12 Low Impact Development (LID) Systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes resulting in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater. LID includes, but is not limited to, the following: Site Design: Environmentally sensitive site design approaches such as minimizing impervious surfaces, fitting the development to the terrain, preserving and capitalizing on natural drainage systems, and reproducing pre -development hydrologic conditions; and Systems: Stormwater management systems modeled after natural hydrologic features to manage rainfall at the source using decentralized micro -scale controls, such as bicretention facilities, rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, rain barrels, and permeable pavements. 7.9.2.3813 Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards The Stormwater Management Standards issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, aimed at encouraging recharge and preventing stormwater discharges from causing or contributing to the pollution of the surface waters or groundwater of the Commonwealth. 7.9.2.3314 Municipal Storm Drain System (or Storm Drain System) 141 Pa,e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 The system of conveyances owned by the Town (including roads, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, constructed channels, pipes, and outfalls) by which stormwater is collected or conveyed. 7.9.2.3-215 New Development Any construction activities or land alteration that disturbs one or more acres of land, on an area that does not contain Impervious Surfaces. 7.9.2.-1316 Operation and Maintenance Plan (O&M Plan) A plan establishing the functional, financial and organizational mechanisms for the ongoing operation and maintenance of a Sstormwater Mmanagement Ssystem. 7.9.2.-1417 Owner A Person with a legal or equitable interest in property. 7.9.2.1318 Pollutant Dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials (except those regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)), heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste, and any other material that may cause or contribute to exceedance of water quality standards in the waters to which the Storm Drain System discharges. 7.9.2.-1619 Redevelopment Any construction, land alteration or improvement of Impervious Surfaces that disturbs one or more acres of land, on an area that already contains Impervious Surfaces. 7.9.2.37720 Runoff Rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation water flowing over the ground surface. 7.9.2.1821 Sediment Mineral or organic soil material that is transported, by wind or water, from its origin to another location. 7.9.2.-1922 Sedimentation The process or act of deposition of sediment. 7.9.2.2823 Site Any parcel of land or area of property where land -disturbing activities are, were, or will be performed. 7.9.2.2124 Soil Any earth, sand, loam, clay, rock, gravel, or similar material. 7.9.2.2-225 Stabilization The use, singly or in combination, of mechanical, structural, or vegetative methods, to prevent, reduce or slow erosion. 7.9.2.2326 Stormwater Any surface flow, runoff or drainage resulting entirely from any form of natural precipitation. 151 Pa g ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 7.9.2.7427 Stormwater Management Plan A document containing sufficient information for the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) to evaluate the environmental impact, effectiveness and acceptability of the measures proposed by the applicant for reducing adverse post -construction impacts from stormwater, including controlling stormwater runoff and promoting infiltration. 2. By revising Section 7.9.3, Responsibility for Administration, as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through. 7.9.3 Responsibility for Administration The PDC) shall administer, implement and enforce Section 7.9, with assistance from the Building Inspector, except as provided in Section 7.9.3.3 for projects within the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. Any powers granted to or duties imposed upon the CPDC, except the power to hear appeals, may be delegated in writing by the CPDC to other employees or agents of the Town. 7.9.3.1 Rules and Regulations The CPDC may adopt, and periodically amend, rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of Section 7.9 or to implement any post -construction design requirements of the Town's NPDES stormwater discharge permit. The rules and regulations may specify the precipitation estimates to be used when calculating stormwater runoff for drainage system design. Failure by the CPDC to promulgate such rules and regulations shall not have the effect of suspending or invalidating the requirements of Section 7.9. 7.9.3.2 Waiver The CPDC may waive strict compliance with any requirement of Section 7.9 or the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, where such action is in the public interest and is not inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Section 7.9. In making this determination, the CPDC shall consider whether: • The public health, safety, and the environment will be protected; • Strict application of the requirement to be waived would undermine the public interest; • Specific substitute requirements can be adopted that will result in the substantial protection of the Municipal Storm Drain System, and the rights of persons affected by the waiver; and • The action made possible by the waiver will not violate the provisions of federal or state law, other applicable provisions of local bylaws or regulations, or the Town's NPDES stormwater discharge permit. 7.9.3.3 Projects Within Conservation Commission Jurisdiction In order to avoid duplicative permitting proceedings, for activities regulated under Section 7.9 that will be undertaken wholly or partly within the jurisdiction of the Reading Conservation Commission and require stormwater review under 310 CMR 10.00 or the Reading Wetlands Bylaw, the Conservation Commission shall serve as the permitting authority for the stormwater permit required by Section 7.9.4.1. For those projects, the Conservation Commission shall have the role, powers and duties assigned to the CPDC in this Section 7.9, except the power to adopt regulations. The CPDC's Stormwater Regulations shall apply to those projects, with the 151 P a,e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar Conservation Commission substituting for the CPDC in carrying out the permitting as specified in this Section 7.9 and the CPDC's Stormwater Regulations. The Conservation Commission may adopt its own Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Procedures to govern the mechanics of submission and review of permit applications. 3. By revising Section 7.9.4, Applicability, as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through. 7.9.4 Applicability 7.9.4.1 Regulated Activities Any activity that results in disturbance of one (1) or more acres of land and any land -disturbing activity that is part of a Common Plan of Development or Sale that will ultimately result in the disturbance of one (1) or more acres of land, shall be subject to the requirements of Section 7.9. No person shall undertake any such activity unless it is authorized by a stormwater permit issued by the CPDC, or exempt pursuant to Section 7.9.4.2. 7.9.4.2 Exempt Activities The following activities are exempt from the requirements of Section 7.9: • Normal maintenance and improvement of land in agricultural or aquacultural use, as defined by MGL Chapter 131 Section 40 and 310 CMR 10.04; and • Normal maintenance of lawns and landscaping.—,and __ _ ___ subjeet to _ _ __ __ ef _ ______ __ implementing regalatiens; demenstmte eemplaneewith the 4. By revising Section 7.9.5, Permits and Procedure, as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through. 7.9.5 Permits and Procedure 7.9.5.1 Stormwater Permit Application Prior to the commencement of any activity regulated by Section 7.9, a stormwater permit application shall be filed with the CPDC, including: • A completed stormwater permit application Form with original signatures of all owners; • A narrative describing the incorporation of LID strategies as defined in Section 7.9.2.12; • An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan satisfying the requirements of Section 7.9.6; • A Stormwater Management Plan satisfying the requirements of Section 7.9.7; • An Operation and Maintenance Plan satisfying the requirements of Section 7.9.8; and • Payment of any application fee established by the CPDC pursuant to Section 7.9.5.6. 5. By revising Section 7.9.7, Stormwater Management Plan, as shown below, with additions being shown in bold and deletions being struck through. 171 P 8 9 e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 7.9.7 Stormwater Management Plan The Stormwater Management Plan shall contain sufficient information for the CPDC to evaluate the environmental impact, effectiveness, and acceptability of the measures proposed by the applicant for reducing adverse post -construction impacts from stormwater. The Stormwater Management Plan shall fully describe the proposed activity in drawings and narrative. 7.9.7.1 Design Standards The stormwater management measures set forth in the Stormwater Management Plan shall be designed to meet Standards 1-6 (for New Development) or Standard 7 (for Redevelopment) of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards, as well as any post -construction design requirements adopted under Section 7.9.3.1. In addition, LID site planning and design strategies shall be incorporated unless infeasible in order to reduce the discharge of stormwater. 7.9.7.2 Site Plan The Stormwater Management Plan shall include a site plan, stamped and certified by a qualified Professional Engineer registered in Massachusetts, containing the following Information: • The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner, the applicant, and the persons or firms who prepared the plan; • Title, date, north arrow, scale, legend, and locus map; • The site's existing and proposed topography with contours at 2 -foot intervals; • Existing site hydrology, including any existing stormwater conveyances or impoundments; • Estimated seasonal high groundwater elevation (November to April) in areas to be used for stormwater retention, detention, or infiltration; • The existing and proposed vegetation and ground surfaces with runoff coefficient for each; • A drainage area map showing pre- and post -construction watershed boundaries, drainage area and stormwater Flow paths; • Identification of all critical areas and tributaries to critical areas within the geographic area shown on the plan; • Identification of all impaired waters to which stormwater from the site will discharge directly or indirectly; • Drawings of all components of the proposed drainage system; and Such other information as is required by the CPDC. or take any other action with respect thereto. Presentation given by: • Heather Clish - See Attached Backoround: The revisions shown above are intended to comply with heightened requirements imposed by a recent update to the joint federal/state permit that governs discharges from Reading's storm drain system to rivers and streams. Comments from Town Counsel, the Bylaw Review Committee, the Community Planning and Development Commission, and Town staff have been reviewed and addressed Reading's current Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw requires that a project that will disturb an acre or more of land receive review of its stormwater management and erosion control measures before, during, and after construction. This review ensures that stormwater discharges from larger ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar construction projects do not adversely impact the Town's storm drain system or the Town's lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. The requirements of this Bylaw are administered by the Community Planning and Development Commission, which has adopted Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Regulations. This Bylaw was originally adopted to comply with requirements of a permit issued in 2003 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, applicable to most municipalities In eastern Massachusetts, containing conditions and requirements for operators of small municipal separate storm sewer systems ("MS4s") pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act and the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act. As referenced above, a new MS4 Permit with more stringent requirements was issued in 2016, but was immediately challenged in litigation. Permit revisions resulting from that litigation were finalized in December 2020. The permit and additional information are available on the USEPA website at: https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/massachusetts-small-ms4-general-permit Among other things, the final new MS4 Permit requires that the Town impose additional requirements on the new development and redevelopment activities covered by its Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw. Revisions to both the Bylaw and the CPDC Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Regulations will be necessary to impose these additional requirements. Although the changes to the Regulations cannot take place until after the Bylaw revisions have been adopted by Town Meeting and approved by the Attorney General, we are providing both sets of proposed revisions together to provide a full picture of the changes necessary to implement the new permit requirements. However, at this time, we are seeking review only of the Bylaw revisions. The Bylaw revisions proposed in the attached draft are as follows: • Remove the exemption for projects permitted under the Wetlands Protection Act, because those projects are only required to meet the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards, which are not currently sufficiently stringent to meet the requirements of the new MS4 Permit. • Add a requirement to incorporate Low Impact Development measures unless infeasible (and define "Low Impact Development"); this is a concept featured in the new MS4 Permit that is not addressed in the current Bylaw. • Add authorization for the CPDC to specify what precipitation dataset applicants must use for their runoff calculations (because the one currently specified by MassDEP is woefully outdated). This Is not required by the new MS4 Permit, but using a more updated dataset is a best practice that many engineers have adopted and many municipalities are requiring. • Add a requirement to show critical areas and impaired waters on site plans (and define "Critical Areas" and "Impaired Waters"). The new requirements for discharges to those waters can be detailed in the Regulations. • Add to the definition of "Common Plan of Development or Sale," using the definition included in the new MS4 Permit, which provides helpful clarification. • Make a handful of minor corrections. The Regulations revisions proposed in the attached draft incorporate the specific detailed requirements for new development and redevelopment activities set forth in the new MS4 Permit. Finance Committee Report: No report Bylaw Committee Report: At their meeting on March 10, 2021 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the content of this Article to Town Meeting. Motion by Jamie Maughan, Precinct 4 to amend as follows: 7.9.3.1 Rules and Regulations 191 v.ge ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar The CPDC may adopt, and periodically amend, rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of Section 7.9 or to implement any post -construction design requirements of the Town's NPDES stormwater discharge permit. The rules and regulations which may specify the precipitation estimates to be used when calculating stormwater runoff for drainage system design will be developed in consultation with the Conservation Commission and subject to approval by the Conservation Commission. Failure by the CPDC to promulgate such rules and regulations shall not have the effect of suspending or invalidating the requirements of Section 7.9. Counted Vote 47 in the affirmative 117 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Does Not Carry Motion made by Steve Leahy, Precinct 3 to move the question on the main article Motion Carried 2/3rd Vote Required 130 in the affirmative 39 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Counted Vote 162 In the affirmative 7 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried as Presented ARTICLE 20: Motion made by Select Board that the Town vote, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one-half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year. Town Meeting Members Attendance 2021 Annual Town Meeting - Article 20 Total of 2 Town Meetings resulting in 3 evenings of attendance Listed below are those who attended 1 evening or less Precinct11 First J Mitltlle last Name Term Total Precinct Vote Name 2 Mark Salvatore Ventura 2022 1 Remove from List - Remain a TM Memher 201 a age ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting May 10, 2021 via Zoom Webinar 7 Nicholas M Boivin 2023 1 Remove from List - Remain a TM Member 7 Charles v Donnelly -Moan 2023 1 Remove from List - Remain a TM Member a Peter McNeill Kramer 2022 0 Remain on List - Remove from TM 157 Town Meeting Members had perfect attendance in 2020 Counted Vote - Mark Ventura 124 in the affirmative 21 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Counted Vote - Nicholas Boivin 145 in the affirmative 19 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Counted Vote - Charles Donnelly -Moran 135 in the affirmative 31 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Counted Vote - Peter Kramer 148 in the affirmative 20 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 3: Motion made by the Select Board to choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special 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 Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Instructional Motion 2 - Skate Park Motion made by Sarah Doane, Precinct 8 and Teacher at Coolidge Middle School Motion made by students Katie Mckinnion, Emily Bryant, Ave Epstien, Emily Wright and Olivia Bass The town of Reading should add a skate park to the Birch Meadow Field because it will provide exercise to all ages. Skateparks are rare and not convenient in our community, but it will attract bikers, skaters and 211 page ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 scooter riders from across Reading. Thus, giving a more positive outlook on the town of Reading by having a real skatepark not far from children's homes and a safer place to ride than the street. We decided it should be placed behind the high school, next to the tot lot, the basketball courts and the Majors' field. There is some grass space there as well as, parking lot that could provide space for the project. This would be a good location because many kids use the basketball courts and baseball field; if you are bored at a sibling's game, you could walk over to the skatepark and still be visible to your parents. It will bring another recreational activity into Reading. Kids can escape the blue light from computer remote learning and go outside for some fun during this tough learning experience they are in. During the process of discussing this motion that a set of rules be discussed such as the wearing of helmets. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 152 in the affirmative 14 in the negative 189 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 2 — Motion Carried Motion made by Christoper Feudo, Precinct 4 to move the question 2/3rd Vote Required 151 in the affirmative 14 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Instructional Motion 3 — Picnic Tables Motion made by Sarah Doane, Precinct 8 and Teacher at Coolidge Middle School Motion made by students Jack Heithaus, Chase Kenyon, Emma Koster and Eleanor Schanck Picnic tables and trash cans be placed at the circle of trees in the Birch Meadow area. This would allow families to picnic together and to enjoy nature. The trash cans would prevent litter and they would add a pop of color to the area, as they would be painted by elementary school students. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 149 in the affirmative 18 in the negative 189 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 3 — Motion Carried ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar Instructional Motion 4 - Section 10.5.6 Motion made by Sarah Brukilacchio, Precinct 4 May 10, 2021 Respectfully request that the pending review of the DSGD 40R Bylaws Section 10.5, be completed no later than April 2022, and include the following amendments: Section 10.5.6: 1. Reduction of building lot coverage to 85% maximum. 2. Change existing, "Minimum Side/Rear Setback abutting a Residential Zone" = 15 feet. To: "Minimum Side/Rear Setback abutting a Residential Zone or Residential Property" = 15 feet. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 125 in the affirmative 37 in the negative 189 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 4 — Motion Carried Motion made by Kern Perry, Precinct 6 to move the question 2/V Vote Required 130 in the affirmative 27 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Instructional Motion 5 — Mental Health Motion made by John Sasso, Precinct 2 Instruct the Select Board to appoint an advisory committee to address the issue of family and mental health support in the town. This committee should include representation or support from all of the stakeholders including: Public Safety, Public Health, Schools, Elder/Human Services, Recreation, Housing, Veterans, Library, Faith -based and community service organizations and any other organizations deemed appropriate (and provided support from town staff). The Select Board should set initial goals which for consideration may include cataloging all of the various local, state and federal support services available, establishing a mechanism for this information to be communicated and guidance provided for those needing help, surveying town residents to better understand their needs in the area of family and mental health support (to include all ages), and identifying initial strategies for how to proactively provide support. Recommendations to review the approaches taken by other MA communities should be encouraged. This committee should be run in conjunction with (or under the supervision of) the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support. The committee should issue a report of progress by Fall Town meeting and a final report by the 2022 Annual Town meeting. After some discussion a vote was taken 231 Page Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Counted Vote 125 in the affirmative 27 in the negative 189 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 5 — Motion Carried Instructional Motion 6 — Town Meeting Membership Motion made by Angela Binda, Precinct 5 May 10, 2021 Move that the Bylaws Committee, Town Moderator, Town Clerk, and/or any appropriate BCC consider the following two items and report back to Town Meeting at the November, 2021 meeting, with a warrant article, or report on the matter: 1. Town Meeting members who have not attended the required number of sessions to be in good standing for two years in a row shall be automatically removed from Town Meeting, and a replacement shall be voted at the next town election In , te avoid delay 0 n seat ng a new member). 2. The Town Clerk shall publish attendance records of all Town Meeting members following the sine die closing of the Annual, Subsequent, and other Special Town Meetings (not occurring at the same time as the Annual or Subsequent Town Meeting). And the Town Clerk shall publish, prior to a Town Meeting member election, the attendance record for the three years of the term, of all Town Meeting members who are running for re-election. BACKGROUND: The last warrant article of every Annual (April) Town Meeting is an article pursuant to section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule, which presents the opportunity for Town Meeting to remove members who have failed to attend one half or more of the Town Meeting evenings of the previous year. Two years ago, there was much debate on removing more members than are usually removed, and whether Town Meeting should allow members to remain if they do not attend. Last year, this article was not taken up by Town Meeting, due to the new Zoom format and the abbreviated meetings. On last year's warrant, there were three names on the list for the second consecutive year, and I believe they may have been removed from Town Meeting had the article been taken up, discussed, and voted upon, due to their attendance records. One member in precinct 1 attended 0 out of 3 evenings in 2018, and 3 of 7 evenings in 2019. In precinct 2 one member attended 1 out of 3 evenings in 2018 and 1 out of 7 evenings in 2019. In precinct 5, one member attended 0 evenings in 2018, and 2 of 7 evenings in 2019. One member in precinct 8 attended 1 of 7 evenings in 2019, and 0 of 3 evenings in 2020. He is up for re-election in 2022, and could run as an incumbent, with that advantage, even though he attended 1 out of 10 evenings of Town Meeting in the past two years. His name appears on page 30 of the Annual 2021 warrant. Two of these members just ran for re-election as incumbents and were voted back in to Town Meeting. I am sure that the great majority of citizens who voted them had no idea of their attendance records, and may not have re-elected them if they knew of the records. I do believe there are circumstances that arise - health issues, work travel, family emergency - which make it impossible for even the most dedicated Town Meeting member to attend every Town Meeting. I believe in a one-year grace period, if fellow precinct members and Town Meeting members agree to that, and vote to keep the member. However, if a Town Meeting member is not able to attend meetings for two years out 241 Pa 9e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar May 10, 2021 of a three-year term, they should no longer represent their precinct. They are not, in fact, representing their precinct if they do not attend. Being a Town Meeting member is a privilege, not a right. Voters who elect representatives to Town Meeting have the right to know, in an easily accessible way, if the person they elect to Town Meeting is attending and representing them. This election cycle saw so many candidates in all precincts competing for limited Town Meeting seats. There are too many candidates willing and able to do the work and they should be seated if others are unable to fulfill their obligation. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 65 in the affirmative 88 in the negative 189 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 6 — Motion Does Not Carry Motion made by James Bonazoli, Precinct 6 to move the question 2/3r0 Vote Required 125 in the affirmative 26 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried Instructional Motion 7 — Electronic Voting for Town Meeting Motion made by Theresa Wiggins, Precinct 8 Since voting protocol for remote meetings is not currently reflected in Rule 13 of the General Bylaws, the Rules Committee and the Town Moderator adopt the following measure at the beginning of the 2021 Annual Town Meeting: In order to make voting by roll call a more efficient process, Town Meeting roll call votes will be captured electronically for this remote 2021 Annual Town Meeting and any other remote Town Meetings until remote voting protocol is reflected in the General Bylaws. The Town Moderator may determine how this can best be achieved, for example by utilizing existing Zoom capabilities. Also, to adopt a policy to include the ability to use remote Town Meeting. To make the votes public record. After some discussion a vote was taken Counted Vote 75 in the affirmative 66 in the negative 25 1 Page Virtual Town Meeting via Zoom Webinar ANNUAL TOWN MEETING May 30, 2021 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Instructional Motion 7 — Motion Carries Motion made by James Reichardt, Precinct 1 to move the question 2/3' Vote Required 126 in the affirmative 15 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Karen Gately Herrick, Select Board moved to adjourn the 2021 Annual Town Meeting adjourn sine die at 11:32 PM with 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in attendance. Counted Vote 132 in the affirmative 0 in the negative 185 Town Meeting Members remotely in Attendance Motion Carried A true copy Attest: Laura A Gemme, CMC /CMMC Town Clerk 261 P a g