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2022-07-19 Select Board Packet
Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda 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. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2022-07-19 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Agenda: Revised Purpose: General Business Meeting Called By: Caitlin Nocella on behalf of Chair Mark Dockser Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of 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 discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: This Meeting will be held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall and remotely on Zoom. It will also be streamed live on RCTV as usual. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81628717522 Meeting ID: 816 2871 7522 One tap mobile +16465189805,,81628717522# US (New York) +16465588656,,81628717522# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 816 2871 7522 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcY7qiHlk PAGE # 7:00 Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment 7:10 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports 7:20 Approve 71 Middlesex Ave Driveway Request 7:35 Vote on Time Sensitive ARPA Funding request for Trails Committee Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda 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. Page | 2 7:45 Vote on Time Sensitive ARPA Funding request for Town Forest 8:00 Review Initial Draft of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Bylaw following Town Meeting Instructional Motion 8:20 Discuss asking Boards, Committees and Commissions to make annual presentations to Select Board 8:30 Discuss Select Board Policies for VASC Appointment Process 8:45 Discuss Future Agendas (Include dates and suggestions for Fall Financial Forum) 9:00 Approve Meeting Minutes 9:15 Review responses to the Town’s Request for Proposal for Lease of Space for Town Senior Center, including potential Executive Session to discuss the lease or value of 17 Harnden Street under Purpose 6. 10:00 Executive Session Purpose 7: To Comply with Section 22 of the OML – approve and review December 29, 2021, February 15, 2022, May 3, 2022 and June 28, 2022 minutes for release Office of the Town Manager 781‐942‐9043 16 Lowell Street townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov/town‐manager To: Select Board From: Fidel A. Maltez Date: July 18, 2022 RE: Town Manager Memo for July 19 th, 2022 Meeting We can’t believe that the month of July is almost over! We continue to have excellent public events, including our upcoming beer garden Saturday July 23, 2022, from 2 PM to 8 PM. It appears that the weather will be phenomenal for this great family‐friendly event. Depending on the success of the event, we might look to hold another beer garden before the end of the summer. We are starting to plan a “New Resident Open House” event at the Reading Public Library. The event will be on October 18, 2022, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. We last held the event in 2019 and it was a great opportunity for new residents to meet with Town departments, local organizations, and community groups. At our meeting, we will be asking the Select Board to vote on two time‐sensitive ARPA requests. The first is for the Trails Committee and the second is for our Town Forest Committee. Both committees do fantastic volunteer work in our community and getting this funding will ensure their success continues. We will be presenting our first draft to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund bylaw. The bylaw was drafted by Town Counsel and includes some changes proposed by staff members. As a reminder, this change is a request from Town Meeting through the instructional motion submitted in April 2022. I have asked Keith Bergman to join the meeting and share his experience. Mr. Bergman is a retired Town Manager of Littleton and is the Chair of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Concord. Mr. Bergman implemented a similar bylaw in Littleton as well. I will also report back that we received a response to our Request for Proposals for Leased Space for the Senior Center. The response came from the owners of the vacant building at 17 Harnden Street, commonly referred to as the “Walgreens” building. This is an exciting proposal to discuss during the meeting. Town Counsel will be present to provide guidance. We foresee a need to enter executive session to discuss the financial implications of the proposal and next steps. Finally, I wanted to share the exciting news that the Senate has passed the law enabling Reading to adopt a surcharge to our electric bills that would allow the Town to become a Green Community. The legislature also extended the ability to continue remote/zoom meetings through March 31, 2023. FAM Page 1 To: Fidel Maltez, Town Manager From: Julie Mercier, Community Development Director CC: Select Board, Parking Advisory & Recommendations Committee (PARC) Date: July 1 3, 2022 Re: Update on Implementation of Parking Regulations and Paid Parking System Downtown Parking Regulations See attached memo from Michael Scouten, Traffic & Safety Officer Paid Parking System Overview The “Kiosk Vetting Group,” consisting of Planning, Engineering and Police staff and one downtown business owner/PARC member, was formed earlier this year to interview the various vendors involved in the world of paid parking systems, which includes pay stations (kiosks), enforcement devices, software and mobile payment apps. To date, the group has interviewed VenTek, Parkeon/Flowbird, IPS Group, PayByPhone and Gtechna. Vendors interviewed participate in the MAPC collective purchasing contract and/or the NCPA contract, which allows the Town to avoid hosting our own procurement process. Monthly updates are provided to the Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force (PTTTF), and Procurement and Finance staff have been involved as needed to confirm the contract mechanics and flow of money follow proper protocols. The pay stations will be covered under the Town’s existing insurance policy. In addition, staff have been conducting outreach to area towns to get feedback on the various vendors. Guiding Principles for Decision-Making • Streamlining the number of vendors involved: this was recommended by at least one other community as a way to keep the system understandable and manageable for staff. Not all vendors offer both pay stations and enforcement devices/software, and not all vendors integrate with one another. The more vendors involved, the more unwieldy – and potentially costly - the system becomes. • Integration between system components and with existing software: selected vendors need to integrate with one another and with any existing software the Police Department uses for permitting and ticketing, or offer a comparable software package to what is currently used. • Combining enforcement between paid and unpaid areas: rather than have two separate methods for enforcement, the preference is for handheld devices that can integrate with the kiosks and mobile app for the paid areas, and that have an easy/automated system for the unpaid areas. Julie Mercier Community Development Director Phone: (781) 942-6648 Fax: (781) 942-9071 jmercier@ci.reading.ma.us Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Page 2 • Usefulness of the “back office” data reporting: the data collection, analysis and reporting regarding utilization trends is critical to understanding whether the timeframes & pricing will need to be adjusted in the future to achieve the desired rate of turnover in our municipal lots. • Adaptability for future needs: including but not limited to the ability to add a 2nd mobile app and to add integration with the current License Plate Recognition (LPR) software used by Police. • Reliability, performance, and presence in the region: vendors whose products are prevalent in this area tend to have local technicians, on-the-ground knowledge, vested interest in building/ maintaining relationships, and more references for us to check! • Initial impressions, ease of communication: intuition regarding success of long-term relationship with vendors, clarity of presentations and information, responsiveness, attitude, etc. is critical. Components and Lead Vendors To-Date • Pay Stations/Software: IPS Group 1 • Enforcement Devices/Software: IPS Group • Mobile App: PayByPhone (exists at MBTA lots in Reading currently) Details of Program & Features of the Pay Stations • 4 solar-powered multi-space pay-by-plate pay stations o 2 in the Upper Haven Lot + 2 in the Brande Court Lot Specific Locations TBD by PTTTF at upcoming meeting • Pricing: up to an hour is free; up to 4 hours is $1/hour; more than 4 hours is $5/hour • Timeframe for Roll-Out: TBD by PTTTF2 • Pay Stations: See attached brochure, some specifics to note: o Coins will not be accepted (coins are not necessary given current pricing scheme; coin jams are primary maintenance issue reported by vendors and other towns) o Bills will be accepted but machine will not give change (this is pretty standard) 1 Based on initial feedback I received in 2020, IPS Group was not a vendor we were interested in at first. However, after a couple people recommended them to us, we decided to bring them in for an interview. They are one of only two vendors that provides pay stations as well as enforcement devices, and they also have a mobile app that we can sign up for later if desired. The group agreed they meet all of the guiding principles above. Upon further discussions with the sources of the negative feedback initially received, I have learned that the problems were almost entirely related to another product IPS offers (single- space meters), which is not a product Reading will be purchasing, and/or to an earlier model of the pay station and the vendor has indicated they have been resolved with the newer model. I am still in the process of checking multiple other references including at least one community that I believe has recently implemented the newer model. Customer service and tech support concerns have been expressed; vendor has been pressed on issue, but I need to find out more. IPS pay stations can be found in Malden, Newton, Cambridge, Arlington, Lynn, Fall River, etc. 2 We have not ordered anything yet. Currently, there is a 2-month lead time for the pay stations, but a 6-month lead time for the bill acceptor component – we could install pay stations first with bill acceptor later, or wait until fully ready. We also want to be sensitive to the business community, ideally allowing patrons time to get used to the system and for businesses to set up validation options before the holidays or postponing roll-out until after. Timing may also depend on whether we need a special revenue account or revolving fund established first (see below), and whether it makes sense to roll-out a new program like this in the winter. We welcome all feedback on this. Page 3 Next Steps & Details TBD • Budgeting for ongoing costs given uncertainty of revenue stream 3 o Pay stations and mobile app have monthly charge plus transaction fees, gateway fees, cc processing fees – fees typically passed to end user with Town as middle-man (Town collects, holds and disburses transaction fees back to vendors) Parking Benefit District may be needed to enable the money flow (PBD has other benefits, was a recommendation of PARC, and could dovetail with BID effort) o Enforcement software has annual cost Ideally revenue will cover ongoing costs, but back up plan being discussed • Free Hour – important to reiterate that every person parking in the lots will need to interface with the pay station in some way (in-person, via mobile app), even if staying for less than an hour – this way the enforcement officer knows! However, the mobile app has a transaction fee associated with it, which will apply even to patrons staying less than an hour. The group feels that it is very important that “free” means “free” and is exploring a workaround to this in our contract with PayByPhone. • Details of Contracts, Service Agreements, Merchant Processing Agreements – working through these with Procurement and Finance. • Locations of Pay Stations – PTTTF to discuss at upcoming meeting, we have recommendations from vendor and consultant; important to protect them while still maintaining accessibility. • Details of Roll-Out: advance outreach, educational materials, pay-station ambassadors, enforcement grace period, etc. TBD by PTTTF in upcoming months. Staff have been working collaboratively to ensure the roll-out of the paid parking program in Reading goes as smoothly as possible. As with any change, there will be pain points and lessons learned. We have learned quite a bit already! However, once the pay stations are installed, we will have a better sense of utilization and revenue to inform future changes and budgeting. We appreciate the ongoing dialogue, and are happy to answer any questions you have. 3 We believe that capital costs and 1st year costs (known + projected) are covered by the $110k approved at April 2022 Town Meeting. We are grateful to PARC, Select Board and Town Meeting for including the contingency. :) Web: www.readingma.gov/police-department Downtown Parking Regulations update. Due to the sizable number of amendments that were presented and approved by the Select Board, multiple work orders were submitted to the DPW for new signage to be done in stages. Work Orders completed: • Work Order 2022-7 was submitted on May 10 for 2 hour parking on Gould St from 16 Gould St to Haven St. • Work Order 2022-8 was submitted on May 10 for 30 minute parking time change from 9am-9pm to 8am-5pm. The 4 spaces in front of 2 Haven, 4 spaces on Lowell St adjacent to 650 Main St and the 2 spaces in front of 519 Main St • Work Order 2022-10 was submitted on May 17 for 2 hour parking or all day with employee permit for the following streets: Ash St – Twelve parking spaces easterly side between Main St and Green St Chute St – West side between 42 Chute and Woburn St Harden St – West side between Pleasant St and Union St across from Bank Haven St – East side of Haven St Main St to Village St High St – Convert the 13 most northern spaces across from 95 High St Woburn St – North side from Sanborn St to 107 Woburn St Woburn St – South side from Sanborn St to 84 Woburn St Vine St – West side 42 marked spaces from High St to 120 Vine St Work Order to be completed: • Work Order 2022-9 was submitted on May 16 for Resident Only Parking signs 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM Monday through Friday on the following streets: Bancroft Ave –Woburn to Mt Vernon. Chute St - #42 to Mt Vernon Gould St – South Side 16 Gould to Ash St Crosby Rd. Fulton St - Washington to Lincoln Green St - High to Ash High St - Woburn to Washington (Depot Area) Lincoln – St Prescott to Washington (Depot Area) Linden St – West Side Prescott St – South Side between Sunnyside to Lincoln Sanborn St – West side of street between Woburn and 16 Sanborn St Washington St – 5 Washington to Lincoln READING POLICE DEPARTMENT 15 Union Street . Reading, Massachusetts 01867 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emergency Only: 911 . All Other Calls: (781) 944-1212 . Fax: (781) 944-2893 Wenda St – West Side Woburn St - From the entrance to the Municipal to High St Future Regulations to be amended and enacted: • Article 5.4.3. Additional Time Restriction No person shall park a vehicle between the hours of 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Mondays through Friday. Amend times from 6AM-10:30AM to 6AM to 9:30AM, which would blanket the entire downtown area with the same time regulations. Arlington- West side between Woburn St and Prescott St Mon thru Friday Minot- East and West sides for the entire length Minot St Mon thru Friday Vine St- East side between High St and Middlesex Mon thru Friday Warren Ave- North and South sides for the entire length Minot St Mon thru Friday Washington St- East and West side between Woburn St and Prescott St Mon thru Friday • Enact Article for time restrictions on EV parking Electric Vehicle Parking only while actively charging. Further discussion on signage. On- Street Estimated Employee Parking- Permits went on sale July 12th Locations: • Lowell St 18 37 Spaces • Woburn St 25 52 Spaces • Pleasant St 9 9 Spaces • Vine/High St 42 55 Spaces • Haven St - 8 13 Spaces • Gould - 15 0 Spaces • Chute - 0 13 Spaces • Harden St – 0 5 Spaces • Chapin Ave 8 14 Spaces • Ash St - 0 12 Spaces • Green St - 5 5 Spaces Lots: • Brande Ct - 12 Spaces • Total Spaces: 142 Old 227 New Due to these major changes there will be a 2 weeks of warnings, when all the downtown parking regulations signs in place. Respectfully submitted, Traffic and Safety Officer Michael Scouten Color display Solar panelMULTI-SPACE Multi-Space Color Pay Station The MS3™ Pay Station features a full-color screen with an optional touchscreen. With the MS3, you can give your patrons the most convenient pay-station available with easy-to-read parking instructions in a vibrant showcase. For your staff, the MS3 ties into the powerful IPS Data Management System, allowing you in-depth analysis of parking data, full financial, administration and technical reporting and remote configuration. Key Benefits Flexibility: The MS3 is available in pay-by-space, pay-and-display, and pay-by-plate models. A simple change of the keypad and a firmware update are all that are required. Robust Hardware Design: Highly secure, stainless steel cabinet is standard with weather and graffiti-resistant powder coating, providing maximum longevity. Customer-Friendly Interface: 7-inch active matrix, high resolution color LCD display that can provide clear instructions to guide users through the transaction process. Fully customizable and configurable to allow touch screen operation for enhanced customer engagement. Multiple Payment Options: Flexible payment options include credit/ debit card, coins, Smart Card, pay-by-cell integration, and NFC contactless payment with applications such as Apple Pay® and Google Pay®. Security: Each unit contains a separate maintenance cabinet and collection vault. The cash box is housed in a secure vault that features a six-point locking system and a high-security electronic lock. Unparalleled Power Efficiency: Powered by environmentally friendly solar panel and rechargeable combination battery to maximize ongoing power and uptime. Improved Visibility: Blue LED lighting above the display provides enhanced visibility for motorists, technicians, and collections staff and optional rear LEDs for visual enforcement (pay-by-space). Dependability: Pay stations communicate wirelessly on the 4G cellular network, ensuring fast and reliable communications while processing secure credit card authorizations, wireless downloads of rates and messages, and transmissions to DMS. Easy Maintenance: Modularly designed with the technician in mind for easy plug-and-play maintenance. Future-proof Design: IPS Group’s software interface provides seamless integration with third-party systems, such as enforcement, permitting, and LPR (license plate recognition) to further optimize parking operations. 1 2 Card readerOptional touch screen Intuitive keypad PHYSICAL FEATURES Technical Specifications Weight: 175 lbs Dimensions: 12.5” x 12” x 60” (31.75 cm x 30.48 cm x 152.4 cm); MS3™ is compliant with all relevant standards for disabled access. Power: Solar (standard) or AC Temperature Range: : -22˚F to 176˚F (-30˚C to 80˚C); Optional heater (AC units only). Payment Accepted: Credit and debit cards, smart cards, coins, tokens, pay-by-cell, smart payments through apps like Apple Pay® and Google Pay®, and optional bill acceptor. Cabinet Housing: Uni-body construction. High grade corrosion-resistant stainless steel with weather and graffiti-resistant powder coating. Locks: Cabinet is protected by a six (6) point secure locking system. The outer vault door locks are protected by anti-drill spin disks. Upper and lower housing require separate keys. The collection vault is 6mm stainless steel with a dual locking system and T-bar. Electronic locks available upon request. Display: 7-inch active matrix color, touch screen (configurable), and allows for both alpha-numeric or graphical messages. Display is protected by anti-glare coated bonded glass (standard feature). Printer: High-resolution graphic thermal printer allows for customizable graphics, vouchers, and barcodes, which are programmable from the Data Management System (DMS). Coin Box: Exchangeable coin box with auto-close feature on removal and “Smart” sensing technology to provide additional security and auditability. Wireless Ultra-Low Power Integration Ready Technology For more information on the fully-integrated solution from IPS Group, please contact us. Call for an on-site demo: 877.630.6638 Online: ipsgroup.com ©2021 IPS Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Color Solar Secure Page 1 Memo To: Select Board Fidel Maltez, Town Manager From: Ryan Percival, P.E., Town Engineer Date: July 12, 2022 Re: 71 Middlesex Avenue An appeal request was made to the Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force (PTTTF) on June 22, 2022, regarding a driveway relocation located at 71 Middlesex Avenue. On June 6, 2022 the Engineering Division denied the application to relocate the driveway. The submitted plan revealed that the distance between the proposed driveway and the intersection of Deering Street was less than the minimum 50-foot separation, as set forth in the Driveway Regulations. The applicant is requesting a variance from the Board to allow for a driveway to be placed within 46 feet of the intersection. PTTTF reviewed and discussed the request and determined that there was no concern in regards to public safety or traffic on the roadway to prohibit the driveway. The homeowner has the ability to meet the minimum separation requirement but is asking for relief so they can protect and save the neighbor’s tree. The homeowner is planning on abandoning the existing driveway. Town of Reading Engineering Division Reading Trails Committee ARPA Funds Request The last three years were unprecedented for the Reading Trails Committee due to the pandemic: •Increased trail usage •Safety challenges – how to work in close proximity given the transmissibility of COVID? •The Committee continued its mission of developing and maintaining the trails of Reading, which connect residents to the many natural features the Town has to offer. Covid and Extreme Weather Trail use increased dramatically beginning in 2020 and remains high up to this day. Increased use caused wear and tear on most of our trails and boardwalks. Also, extreme weather resulted in many fallen trees that needed to be removed. Thanks to the diligence of residents, our volunteers and committee members constant watchfulness, we have been able to respond so that the trails remained clear and safe for use. Statistics •2020 - Present: 69 volunteers have logged over 100 hours for trail maintenance •Nearly all our trails have been adopted by volunteers •We maintain 15 miles of trails throughout town •We are responsible for maintaining over 23 boardwalks and bridges throughout town •We are responsible for maintaining the kiosks at all trail heads •We have an email list of 77 volunteers including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and RMHS students •Commercial grade shelving to store supplies at the Mattera Cabin Garage Global Industrial Shelving – Industrial & Commercial Use : $1,700 per 4-foot section (3) @ $5,100 •Supplies to build or repair 200 linear feet of boardwalk •(100) 1x6x16-foot Composite decking = 200 4-foot boardwalk decking boards $3,100 •(80) 2x10x12= 200 of boardwalk framing $1,600 •(100) lbs. of 3-inch deck mate screws $760. •(100) lbs. of 2.5-inch deck mate screws $760 •(160) Joist hangers 2x8 for 200 feet of boardwalk $240 •#2 RYOBI Driver Batteries $60.00 •Total ARPA Request $11,620 Reading Trails Committee ARPA funds Request 1 LaVerde, Jacquelyn From:Maltez, Fidel Sent:Wednesday, June 29, 2022 11:40 AM To:LaVerde, Jacquelyn Cc:Marianne McLaughlin-Downing; Tirone, Charles; Dockser, Mark; Haley, Christopher Subject:FW: ARPA vote for TC Attachments:ARPA - Final.pptx.pdf Jackie, Would you mind sending Chuck’s email below to the RAAC? Marianne, not sure how you feel about Chuck’s request. At the last meeting, my sense is that the RAAC was supportive of the Trails committee request for $11,620. Would you be comfortable adding a “time‐sensitive” vote to your next meeting on July 13? We could then bring it to the Select Board for their vote on July 19. Thank you! Fidel A. Maltez Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 fmaltez@ci.reading.ma.us Phone: 781‐942‐6646 Fax # : 781‐942‐9071 From: Tirone, Charles <ctirone@ci.reading.ma.us> Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 9:28 AM To: Maltez, Fidel <fmaltez@ci.reading.ma.us> Subject: ARPA vote for TC Hi Fidel, Yesterday we found out from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) that the Trails Committee did not receive a trail grant for FY23. More than half of the applicants were denied and there was an overwhelming number of applications this year making it extremely competitive. This unfortunate news makes it all that more important that the Trails Committee receive ARPA vote and the funds for this season. The Trails Committee has used up all its supplies by building approximately 60 feet of the boardwalk in the Pinevale Conservation Area and 15 feet off Lenetta Lane. These two projects were completed in early June. The Trails Committee was hoping to receive the grant to continue its work in the summer and fall of 2022. I was wondering because the Trails Committee will miss an entire summer of building and repair on the Town’s trails and boardwalks if their ARPA request could receive a vote from the committee in July and then get on a Select board agenda for vote and approval. If that could happen we could salvage our summer and the fall trail build season and complete another 40 to 80 feet of boardwalk this year. Chuck Tirone Conservation Administrator 16 Lowell Street 2 Reading, Ma 01867 p: 781‐942‐6616 f: 781‐942‐9071 ctirone@ci.reading.ma.us Town Hall is closed on Friday Office Hours: Mon‐ Wed ‐ Thurs 8:00 ‐ 5:30 Tuesday 8:00‐ 7:00 ARPA Request for Dead Tree and Invasive Plant Removal Reading Town Forest Committee Red pine trees in the Town Forest are dying due to climate change and invasive plants are widespread The Problem –Red Pine Trees: u Red pine trees were planted starting in the 1930s as a resource to be periodically harvested u Red pines are suited for more northern latitudes u Climate change has stressed the red pines u This stress makes the red pines vulnerable to fungus and insects such as pine scale u Need to remove the dead trees before they fall and potentially injure users of the Town Forest or catch on fire Red Pine Areas The Problem –Invasive Plants: u Invasive plants such as buckthorn, Japanese knotweed, tree of heaven and black swallow-wort have become firmly established in the Town Forest u The adjacent Compost Area is a reservoir of invasives that will spread into the Town Forest u If not controlled now, native plants will be crowded out and the Town Forest will be a tangle of invasive plants Tree of Heaven Black Swallow-wort Japanese Knotweed Buckthorn Work to Date: u Phase 1 removed dead trees on 4.5 acres in January 2020 at a cost of $28,400 u Phase 2 removed 470 dead trees from another 4.5 acres at a cost of $22,900 u Projects were bid and managed by Reading DPW u Limited invasive plant removal by volunteers including Scouts and at events sponsored by the Town Forest Committee Next Phases u If funding is approved, Phase 3 will continue the removal of the dead red pines in January 2023 on 4 to 6 acres of the Town Forest u Phase 3 areas are more difficult to access and will have a higher cost u Phase 4 should follow in January 2024 u Forest Cutting Plans must be prepared by a licensed forester for approval by the State Forester and Reading Conservation Commission u Need professional assistance with invasive plant control as volunteers are not equipped for the magnitude of the invasion u Total estimated cost is in the range of $150,000 to $200,000. ARPA Request u The COVID pandemic substantially increased the use of the Town Forest as residents sought a refuge in nature u Removal of the dead red pine trees is important to prevent branches and trees from falling on people u Reading Fire Department supports the removal of the dead trees as they are a fire hazard u Every day that passes without action on invasive plant control reduces our ability to preserve the natural forest for the future u The Reading Town Forest Committee requests $150,000 to $200,000 to carry out this work Thank you for your consideration u Reading Town Forest Committee u Bill Sullivan, Chair u Susan Bowe u Nancy Docktor u Tom Gardner u Kurt Habel u Jeff Lamson u Tim Kirwan Draft Special Legislation An act authorizing the Town of Reading to dissolve its Affordable Housing Trust Fund Whereas, Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 authorized the Town of Reading to establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Whereas, in 2005, the legislature enacted Section 55C of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws (the “Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Law”), which empowers municipalities to establish a local affordable housing trust, managed by a Board of Trustees; Whereas, the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Law presents significant and important opportunities for the creation and maintenance of affordable housing stock; Whereas, Reading Town Meeting voted to accept the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Law and adopt a bylaw establishing Board of Trustees at _________________; And whereas, the Town of Reading hereby seeks to dissolve its existing affordable housing trust created by Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 and transfer all funds to the trust fund established pursuant to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund Law. SECTION 1. Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001, An Act Authorizing the Town of Reading to Establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, is hereby repealed. SECTION 2. All properties and funds held by the Reading Affordable Housing Trust previously established under Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 is hereby transferred to the Reading Affordable Housing Trust established pursuant to G.L. c. 44, s. 55C and shall only be managed, disposed of, or expended in accordance with said Section 55C. SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon the posting or publication, by the Town Clerk in accordance with G.L. c. 40, s. 32, an amendment to the Reading General Bylaws to establish an affordable housing trust for the Town of Reading under the authority of G.L. c. 44, s. 55C. Town Meeting Action Town Meeting will need to (1) authorize the Select Board to file the Special Legislation outlined above; (2) accept G.L. c.44, s.55C; (3) adopt an AHTF bylaw (see below); and (4) authorize the Board of Trustees to file a declaration and certification of trust with the registry, which it may amend on its own initiative. Here is the language of the acceptance of G.L. c.44, s.55C. Move to accept the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 55C of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish a trust to be known as the Reading Affordable Housing Trust Fund, whose purpose shall be to provide for the creation and preservation of housing that is affordable in the Town of Reading for the benefit of low and moderate income households. Draft Bylaw Language READING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BYLAW XX.1 Purpose. Pursuant to the authority of Chapter 44, Section 55C of the Massachusetts General Laws, there is hereby created a local municipal affordable housing trust fund to be known as the Reading Affordable Housing Trust Fund, hereinafter the “Trust”, whose purpose shall be to provide for the creation and preservation of housing that is affordable in the Town of Reading for the benefit of low and moderate income households. XX.2 Membership. There shall be a Board of Trustees of the Reading Affordable Housing Trust Fund, hereinafter the “Board of Trustees”, which shall include no less than 5 and no more than 7 voting members. The voting members shall include a member of the Select Board and four members appointed by the Select Board, each of whom, to the extent possible, shall have a background or interest in affordable housing, and in finance, law, real estate, or real estate development. XX.3 Term. Notwithstanding Section 3.3.1.5, tThe Select Board shall appoint the Trustees for a term of two years, except that three of the initial trustee appointments shall be for a term of one year, provided said Trustees may be re-appointed at the discretion of the Select Board. Vacancies shall be filled by the Select Board for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any member of the Board of Trustees may be removed by the Select Board for cause after the opportunity of a hearing. XX.4 Declaration of Trust. The Board of Trustees is hereby authorized to execute a Declaration of Trust and Certificate of Trust for the Reading Affordable Housing Trust to be recorded with the Middlesex Registry of Deeds and filed with the Middlesex Registry District of the Land Court. XX.5 General Duties. The Board of Trustees shall have the following powers, all of which shall be carried on in furtherance of the purposes set forth in G.L. c.44, §55C, except that the Trustees shall obtain prior approval of the that the Board shall require prior approval of the Select Board : to borrow money,; to mortgage or pledge trust assets,s; or to purchase, accept, sell, lease, exchange, transfer, abandon, or convey any interest in real or, personal property, or mixed property: a. To accept and receive real property, personal property or money, by gift, grant, contribution, devise or transfer from any person, firm, corporation or other public or private entity, including but not limited to money, grants of funds or other property tendered to the Trust in connection with any by-law or any general or special law or any other source; b. To purchase and retain real or personal property, including without restriction investments that yield a high rate of income or no income; c. To sell, lease, exchange, transfer, or convey any personal, mixed, or real property at public auction or by private contract for such consideration and on such terms as to credit or otherwise, and to make such contracts and enter into such undertaking relative to Trust property as the Board of Trustees deems advisable notwithstanding the length of any such lease or contract; d. To execute, acknowledge, and deliver deeds, assignments, transfers, pledges, leases, covenants, contracts, promissory notes, releases, grant agreements, and other instruments sealed or unsealed, necessary, proper, or incident to any transaction in which the Board of Trustees engages for the accomplishment of the purposes of the Trust; e. To employ advisors and agents, such as accountants, appraisers, and lawyers as the Board of Trustees deems necessary; f. To pay reasonable compensation and expenses to all advisors and agents and to apportion such compensation between income and principal as the Board of Trustees deems advisable; g. To apportion receipts and charges between incomes and principal as the Board of Trustees deems advisable, to amortize premiums and establish sinking funds for such purpose, and to create reserves for depreciation depletion or otherwise; h. To participate in any reorganization, recapitalization, merger, or similar transactions; and to give proxies or powers of attorney with or without power of substitution to vote any securities or certificates of interest; and to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase or sale of property, by or between any corporation and any other corporation or person; i. To deposit any security with any protective reorganization committee, and to delegate to such committee such powers and authority with relation thereto as the Board of Trustees may deem proper and to pay, out of Trust property, such portion of expenses and compensation of such committee as the Board of Trustees may deem necessary and appropriate; j. To carry property for accounting purposes other than acquisition date values; k. To borrow money on such terms and conditions and from such sources as the Board of Trustees deems advisable, to mortgage and pledge Trust assets as collateral; any debt incurred by the Board of Trustees shall not constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Town of Reading and all documents related to any debt shall contain a statement that the holder of any such debt shall have no recourse against the Town of Reading with an acknowledgement of said statement by the holder; l. To make distributions or divisions of principal in kind; m. To comprise, attribute, defend, enforce, release, settle, or otherwise adjust claims in favor or against the Trust, including claims for taxes, and to accept any property, either in total or partial satisfaction of any indebtedness or other obligation, and subject to the provisions of G.L. c. 44, § 55C, to continue to hold the same for such period of time as the Board of Trustees may deem appropriate; n. To manage or improve real property; and to abandon any property which the Board of Trustees determines not to be worth retaining; To hold all or part of the Trust property uninvested for such purposes and for such time as the Board of Trustees may deem appropriate; and o. To make recommendations on proposals to Town Meeting, subject to approval by the Select Board, when such proposals create or support affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. p. To extend the time for payment of any obligation to the Trust. XX.6 Custodian of funds. The Town of Reading Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Trust. Any income or proceeds received from the investment of funds shall be credited to and become part of the fund. The Board of Trustees shall provide for an annual audit of the books and records of the Trust. Such audit shall be performed by an independent auditor in accordance with accepted accounting practices. Costs associated with the annual audit shall be borne by the Trust. Upon receipt of the audit by the Board of Trustees, a copy shall be provided forthwith to the Select Board. Amendment to Section 3.3.1.5 Amend Section 3.3.1.5 of the Town’s General Bylaws by adding the bold and italicized language, as follows: 3.3.1.5 Term of Office The term of office of each member of boards, committees and commissions shall commence on July 1 in the year of appointment, and shall expire on June 30 in the third following calendar year, except the terms of the members of the Reading Housing Authority and the Reading Affordable Housing Trust Fund are for five (5) and two (2) years, respectively. BCC Master List 2022 Board/Committee # Full Mbrs Max # Assoc Members Address Full/ Assoc Orig. Date Term Ends Appt Auth Animal Control Appeals Committee 3 2 John Miles 532 West Street F 2009 2025 SB Animal Control Appeals Committee Richard Robbins 42 Dudley Street F 2015 2024 SB Animal Control Appeals Committee Tina Ohlson 200 Forest Street F 2008 2023 SB Animal Control Appeals Committee VACANT A 2024 SB Animal Control Appeals Committee Marcel Dubois 16 Willow Street A 2021 2023 SB Audit Committee 7 Stephen Herrick (SB)9 Dividence Road F 2005 2024 SB Appt Audit Committee (FINCOM)F 2022 FC Mem Audit Committee Carla Nazzaro (Sch. Com.)32 Red Gate Lane F 2020 2023 SC Mem Audit Committee Ed Ross (FINCOM)16 Kensington Avenue F 2019 2022 FC Mem Audit Committee Chris Haley (SB)F 2022 2023 SB Mem Audit Committee Phil Pacino (RMLD)5 Washington Street, Unit D6 F 2010 2023 RMLD Mem Audit Committee Shawn Brandt (Sch. Com.)231 Franklin Street F 2020 2024 SC Mem Board of Assessors 3 2 Brendan Zarechian 815 Main Street F 2018 2025 SB Board of Assessors Michael Golden 12 Hampshire Road F 2017 2024 SB Board of Assessors Cheryl Moschella 117 County Road F 2020 2023 SB Board of Assessors VACANT A 2024 SB Board of Assessors Jean-Paul Plouffe 330 Haven Street A 2022 2023 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees 6 4 Caitlin Salmon 20 Pierce Street F 2018 2025 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees Ronald Stortz 538 Summer Ave F 2004 2025 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees Virginia Blodgett 99 Prescott Street F 2017 2024 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees William Brown 28 Martin Road F 1999 2024 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees Brian Boyle 186 Salem Street F 2019 2023 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees Carl McFadden 33 Wakefield Street F 2018 2023 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees VACANT A 2024 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees VACANT A 2024 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees VACANT A 2023 SB Board of Cemetery Trustees VACANT A 2023 SB Board of Health 3 2 Richard Lopez 105 Red Gate Lane F 2020 2025 SB Board of Health Paula Curren 223 Franklin Street F 2020 2024 SB Board of Health Kerry Dunnell 182 Bancroft Avenue F 2020 2023 SB Board of Health Kevin Sexton 20 Emerson Street A 2020 2024 SB Board of Health Geri Cramer 19 Linnea Lane A 2020 2023 SB Board of Registrars 4 0 Laura Gemme (BVO)16 Lowell Street F 2009 Indef SB Board of Registrars Krissandra Holmes 77 Redgate Lane F 2006 2025 SB Board of Registrars Tina Ohlson 200 Forest Street F 2021 2023 SB Board of Registrars Nancy Ziemlak 15 Orchard Park Drive F 2024 SB Bylaw Committee 5 0 Jesse Arnold 72 Berkeley Street F 2019 2025 Appt Comm Bylaw Committee Elizabeth Sullivan 23 Weston Road F 2021 2024 Appt Comm Bylaw Committee Kerri Perry 307 West Street F 2021 2024 Appt Comm Bylaw Committee Jason Clarke 342 Ash Street F 2019 2023 Appt Comm Bylaw Committee Jeffrey Struble 4 Tower Road F 2013 2023 Appt Comm BCC Master List 2022 Board/Committee # Full Mbrs Max # Assoc Members Address Full/ Assoc Orig. Date Term Ends Appt Auth Celebration Committee 5 VACANT (Sch Comm.)F 2025 SC Celebration Committee Kurt Habel (SB)832 Main Street F 1999 2024 SB Celebration Committee Nancy Potter (Mod.)69 Hopkins Street F 2018 2023 Moderator Celebration Committee Sharlene Reynolds Santo (Hist.)46 Wakefield Street F 2020 2023 Hist Comm Celebration Committee Phil Rushworth 36 Knollwood Road F 2022 2024 Lib Trst Climate Advisory Committee 5 3 Travis Estes 36 Intervale Terrace F 2020 2025 SB Climate Advisory Committee Genady Pilyavsky 3 Harriman Avenue F 2021 2024 SB Climate Advisory Committee Ray Porter 529 Franklin Street F 2007 2024 SB Climate Advisory Committee VACANT F 2023 SB Climate Advisory Committee David Zeek 163 Pearl Street F 2015 2023 SB Climate Advisory Committee VACANT A 2023 SB Climate Advisory Committee VACANT A 2024 SB Climate Advisory Committee Walter Talbot 33 Pasture Road A 2021 2023 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds 5 2 Endri Kume (BVO)16 Lowell Street F 2017 Indef BVO Commissioners of Trust Funds John Daly 163 Woburn Street F 1995 2025 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds Neil Cohen 73 Hillcrest Road F 2007 2024 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds Elizabeth Klepeis 68 Tennyson Road F 2005 2023 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds Mark Dockser 110 Beaver Road F 2020 2023 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds VACANT A 2024 SB Commissioners of Trust Funds VACANT A 2023 SB Community Planning & Development Commission 5 1 John Weston 10 Winthrop Ave F 2007 2025 SB Community Planning & Development Commission Catrina Meyer 16 Border Road F 2021 2024 SB Community Planning & Development Commission Heather Clish 51 Deering Street F 2020 2023 SB Community Planning & Development Commission Pamela Adrian 87 Ash Street F 2018 2023 SB Community Planning & Development Commission VACANT F 2024 SB Community Planning & Development Commission Tony D'Arezzo 130 John Street A 2017 2023 SB Conservation Commission 7 4 VACANT F 2025 SB Conservation Commission VACANT F 2025 SB Conservation Commission Carl Saccone 68 Longfellow Road F 2018 2024 SB Conservation Commission Martha Moore 102 Sanborn F 2020 2024 SB Conservation Commission Andrew Dribin 39 Vince Street F 2021 2024 SB Conservation Commission John Sullivan 23 Weston Road F 2020 2023 SB Conservation Commission Brian Bowe 15 Brewer Lane F 2021 2023 SB Conservation Commission VACANT A 2024 SB Conservation Commission VACANT A 2024 SB Conservation Commission Walter Talbot 33 Pasture Road A 2021 2023 SB Conservation Commission VACANT A 2023 SB Constables 4 0 Anthony Lalicata 17 Springvale Road F 2019 2025 SB Constables VACANT F 2025 SB Constables Thomas Freeman 59 Springvale Road F 1993 2024 SB Constables Sally Hoyt 221 West Street F 1972 2023 SB BCC Master List 2022 Board/Committee # Full Mbrs Max # Assoc Members Address Full/ Assoc Orig. Date Term Ends Appt Auth Council on Aging 10 6 Deborah Small 177 Wakefield Street F 2018 2025 SB Council on Aging Joan Coco 4 Freemont Street F 2017 2025 SB Council on Aging VACANT F 2025 SB Council on Aging Karen Fotino 244 Haverhill Street F 2020 2024 SB Council on Aging Karen Pinette 22 Colonial Drive F 2019 2024 SB Council on Aging Marilyn Shapleigh 11 John Carver Road F 2014 2024 SB Council on Aging Nancy Ziemlak 15 Orchard Park Drive F 2021 2024 SB Council on Aging John Parsons 3 C Street F 2015 2023 SB Council on Aging Sally Hoyt 221 West Street F 2004 2023 SB Council on Aging Sandra Shaffer 239 Main Street F 2014 2023 SB Council on Aging Jacquelyn Behenna 330 Lowell Street A 2020 2024 SB Council on Aging Rosemarie DeBenedetto 74 Haystack Road A 2022 2024 SB Council on Aging Beverly Cunio 7 Augustus Court #1011 A 2022 2024 SB Council on Aging Jolyn Ek 50 Bay State Road #307 A 2014 2023 SB Council on Aging Karen Janowski 30 Azalea Circle A 2022 2023 SB Council on Aging Nancy Tawadros 31 Libby Avenue A 2022 2023 SB Cultural Council 7 4 Brian Kimerer 66 John Carver Road F 2018 2024 SB Cultural Council Sherilla Lestrade 24 Gould Street, Unit 304 F 2021 2024 SB Cultural Council Stephen Theodoridis 22 Union Street #1 F 2022 2024 SB Cultural Council Katherine Lopez Natale 26 Laurel Lane F 2019 2023 SB Cultural Council Kerri Perry 307 West Street F 2020 2023 SB Cultural Council Megan Fidler-Carey 64 Charles Street F 2017 2023 SB Cultural Council Christine Keller 33 Pasture Road F 2022 2025 SB Cultural Council VACANT A 2024 SB Cultural Council VACANT A 2024 SB Cultural Council VACANT A 2023 SB Cultural Council VACANT A 2023 SB Cust. of Sail. & Sold. Graves 1 0 Raymond Boyd 1451 Main Street F 2019 2025 SB Finance Committee 9 0 Geoffrey Coram 31 Ridge Road F 2021 2024 Appt Comm Finance Committee Joseph Carnahan 39 Middlesex Avenue F 2022 2024 Appt Comm Finance Committee Jeanne Borawski 82 Johnson Woods Drive F 2020 2024 Appt Comm Finance Committee Andrew McLauchlan 128 High Street F 2019 2023 Appt Comm Finance Committee Marianne Downing 13 Heather Drive F 2020 2023 Appt Comm Finance Committee Mark Zarrow 34 Boswell Road F 2020 2023 Appt Comm Finance Committee Edward Ross 16 Kensington Avenue F 2019 2025 Appt Comm Finance Committee Emily Sisson 92 John Street F 2022 2025 Appt Comm Finance Committee Joseph McDonagh 47 Deborah Drive F 2021 2025 Appt Comm Historic District Commission 5 3 Everett Blodgett 99 Prescott Street F 2009 2025 SB Historic District Commission Greg Maganzini 168 West Street F 2014 2025 SB Historic District Commission Amelia Freedman 180 Grove Street F 2018 2024 SB Historic District Commission Pino D'Orazio 14 Wilson Street F 2018 2024 SB Historic District Commission Ilene Bornstein 80 Haystack Road F 2009 2023 SB Historic District Commission VACANT A 2024 SB Historic District Commission Carl Mittnight 18 Cherry Lane Drive A 2019 2023 SB Historic District Commission Virginia Adams 59 Azalea Circle A 2009 2023 SB BCC Master List 2022 Board/Committee # Full Mbrs Max # Assoc Members Address Full/ Assoc Orig. Date Term Ends Appt Auth Historical Commission 5 3 Jonathan Barnes 41 Pratt Street F 2014 2025 SB Historical Commission Pino D'Orazio 14 Wilson Street F 2018 2025 SB Historical Commission Sharlene Reynolds Santo 46 Wakefield Street F 1999 2024 SB Historical Commission Amelia Freedman 180 Grove Street F 2018 2023 SB Historical Commission Samantha Couture 56 Pearl Street F 2017 2023 SB Historical Commission Virginia Adams 59 Azalea Circle A 1978 2024 SB Historical Commission Sarah Brukilacchio 48 Maple Ridge Road A 2022 2024 SB Historical Commission Christine Keller 33 Pasture Road A 2021 2023 SB Housing Authority (5yr terms)5 0 Charles Adams 13 Riverside Drive F 2018 2027 SB Housing Authority (5yr terms)Diane Cohen (STATE)73 Hillcrest Road F 2004 2026 State Housing Authority (5yr terms)Margaret Donnelly Moran 32 Vale Road F 2022 2025 SB Housing Authority (5yr terms)Timothy Kelley 84 Woburn Street F 1996 2024 SB Housing Authority (5yr terms)Marie Hanson 14 Frank Tanner Drive #7 F 2019 2023 SB-RHA Tenant Housing Authority (5yr terms)Kathryn Gallant (BVO)Indef BVO MAPC 1 0 Steven Sullivan 41 Colburn Road F 2020 2023 SB Mystic Valley Elder Service Board of Directors 2 0 Elder/Human Services Administrator (BVO)F Indef BVO Mystic Valley Elder Service Board of Directors VACANT (COA)F 2025 COA Mystic Valley Elder Service Board of Directors VACANT F 2024 SB Permanent Building Committee 5 3 Gregory Stepler 77 Mineral Street F 2015 2024 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee Patrick Tompkins 83 King Street F 2015 2024 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee John Coote 332 Summer Ave F 2015 2023 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee Nancy Twomey 23 California Road F 2015 2023 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee Kirk McCormick F 2025 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee VACANT A 2023 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee VACANT A 2023 Appt Comm Permanent Building Committee Bradford Congdon 80 Prospect Street A 2015 2024 Appt Comm RCTV Board of Directors 3 0 Chris Cridler (SB)72 Berkeley Street F 2018 2025 SB RCTV Board of Directors Stephen Crook (SB)137 Pleasant Street F 2018 2024 SB RCTV Board of Directors Sarah M McLaughlin (Sch. Com.)282 South Street F 2021 2023 SC Reading Ice Arena Authority 1 0 Carl McFadden 33 Wakefield Street F 2010 2023 SB Recreation Committee 9 4 Eric Gaffen 15 Hemlock Road F 2018 2025 SB Recreation Committee Michael Coltman 18 Milton Road F 2018 2025 SB Recreation Committee VACANT F 2025 SB Recreation Committee Catherine Kaminer 37 Warren Ave F 1988 2024 SB Recreation Committee VACANT F 2024 SB Recreation Committee Robert Weiden 30 Orange Street F 2020 2024 SB Recreation Committee Angela Binda 10 Orchard Park Drive F 2020 2023 SB Recreation Committee Chuck Robinson (Sch. Com.)F 2021 2023 SB Recreation Committee Richard Hand 20 Meadowbrook Lane F 2011 2023 SB Recreation Committee VACANT A 2024 SB Recreation Committee VACANT A 2024 SB Recreation Committee Katelynn King 3 Archstone Circle, Apt 201 A 2021 2023 SB Recreation Committee VACANT A 2023 SB BCC Master List 2022 Board/Committee # Full Mbrs Max # Assoc Members Address Full/ Assoc Orig. Date Term Ends Appt Auth RMLD Citizen Advisory Board 1 0 Vivek Soni 147 Johnson Woods Drive F 2019 2023 SB Town Forest Committee 5 3 Tim Kirwan 48 Hanscom Avenue F 2021 2025 SB Town Forest Committee William Sullivan 44 Blueberry Lane F 2013 2025 SB Town Forest Committee Kurt Habel 832 Main Street F 2013 2024 SB Town Forest Committee Susan Bowe 15 Brewer Lane F 2021 2024 SB Town Forest Committee Jeffrey Lamson 88 Timberneck Drive F 2020 2023 SB Town Forest Committee Thomas Gardiner 182 Franklin Street A 2010 2024 SB Town Forest Committee VACANT A 2024 SB Town Forest Committee Nancy Docktor 371 Pearl Street A 2015 2023 SB Trails Committee 5 3 David Williams 117 Oak Street F 2008 2025 SB Trails Committee Kathy Kelly 36 Grove Street F 2018 2025 SB Trails Committee Ray Vaillancourt 179 Lowell Street F 2021 2024 SB Trails Committee Benjamin Ream 972 Main Street F 2018 2024 SB Trails Committee William Finch 51 Mill Street F 2011 2023 SB Trails Committee John Kastrinos 1137 Main Street A 2022 2024 SB Trails Committee John Parsons 3 C Street A 2008 2024 SB Trails Committee Thomas Gardiner 182 Franklin Street A 2008 2023 SB Zoning Board of Appeals 5 2 Damase Caouette 11 Field Pond Road F 2021 2025 SB Zoning Board of Appeals Patrick Houghton 4D Carnation Circle F 2021 2024 SB Zoning Board of Appeals Ryan Bourque 9 Lenetta Lane F 2021 2024 SB Zoning Board of Appeals Cynthia B Hartman 20C Carnation Circle F 2020 2023 SB Zoning Board of Appeals Andrew Grasberger 129 Green Street F 2021 2023 SB Zoning Board of Appeals VACANT A 2023 SB Zoning Board of Appeals VACANT A 2023 SB 1-13 Select Board Policies Correspondence relative to setting meeting agendas may be limited to the Town Manager and Chair. i. The Town Manager shall respond individually to members of the Select Board who email the Town Manager as individual members, unless the individual Board member requests that the Town Manager provide the information to all members of the Board and such communication does not violate the Open Meeting Law. j. If individual Board members request the Town Manager or Town staff take a particular action and it is unclear whether that request is representative of the will of the Board as a whole, the Town Manager may request the Board provide additional instruction or take a formal vote to indicate their preference or instruction for staff action. Section revised March 9, 2004 revised June 5, 2007 revised February 16, 2021 revised August 10, 2021 1.4.2 – Access to Public Records The Select Board is committed to the philosophy that the citizens should have access to public records that are not exempt by law. To this end, the Town Clerk is hereby designated as custodian of public records for the Town of Reading (not including the School or Light Department). The custodian of public records will carry out the duties and responsibilities of a record custodian as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 66, Section 10, and may establish and charge such reasonable fees and establish other regulations in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Supervisor of Public Records, Regulation 950 CMR 32.06, or other applicable laws and regulations. Section revised December 13, 1994 Revised February 16, 2021 Section 1.5 – Volunteer Board and Committee Appointments The Select Board is responsible for appointing volunteers to Boards and Committees in accordance with Article 4 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, as well as those Boards and Committees created by local Bylaw or Select Board Policy. The Select Board recognizes the following two issues related to the consideration of and appointment to the various Boards and Committees: 1. The amount of time taken in the past for this process by the Select Board and volunteers has been extraordinary and not necessarily productive; and 2. The depth of interviews given time constraints does not allow the full Select Board to do a thorough job of interviewing. 1-14 Select Board Policies The Select Board therefore hereby implements the following process in order to address these two issues: 1.5.1 - Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) The Select Board shall appoint members to a two-member VASC at the time that Select Board liaison assignments are established. 1. VASC members shall be appointed for staggered two-year terms so arranged that one term shall expire each year. 2. No member of the Select Board shall serve on the VASC for more than two consecutive terms. Notwithstanding this limitation, the Chair and the Select Board shall consider appointing a new member who wishes to serve, over an incumbent reapplying for a second term on the VASC. 3. Following their appointment, the VASC shall appoint a Chair and Secretary to serve for one year. 4. Vacancies on the VASC shall be filled promptly by a vote of the Select Board. 5. The meetings of the VASC shall be posted and open to the public. 1.5.2 - Process for Annually Appointing Volunteers to Boards and Committees In order to ensure an orderly, transparent and fair process for annually appointing incumbents and new candidates to Boards and Committees, the following guidelines are established: 1. Beginning on May 1 of each year, the Town Manager’s office shall issue invitations to all incumbent members of Boards and Committees, asking them to indicate their desire for reappointment. Responses shall be due not later than May 15. At the same time, the Town Manager’s office shall cause to have advertised the complete list of full and associate positions, whether currently filled or not, that will be open beginning July 1. 2. Following the expiration of the required number of days for advertising open positions (per Sec. 8.10 of the Reading Home Rule Charter), the VASC Chair and the Town Manager’s office shall schedule a minimum of six meeting dates between May 16 and June 15 for the VASC to hold interviews for these positions, covering as many days of the week (Monday- Thursday) as is practicable. 3. In recognition of the value of maintaining personal relationships between the Select Board and its appointees, it shall be the policy of the VASC to invite all incumbents seeking reappointment to attend one of these interview sessions. 4. In recognition of the Select Board’s desir e to involve Board and Committee Chairs in the appointment process, the Town Manager’s office shall notify all Committee Chairs of the six VASC meeting dates. 5. The Town Manager’s office shall issue an email to Board and Committee Chairs not later than 5:00 pm the day of each scheduled VASC meeting, with the complete interview packet for that day’s VASC meeting and requesting the attendance of the affected Committee chairs (or designees). 1-15 Select Board Policies 6. The VASC shall interview any new candidate who is not already an Associate member of that Board or Committee, prior to voting a recommendation on that candidate to the full Select Board. 7. Following the last VASC meeting, the VASC shall transmit to the entire Select Board and to all candidates and Committee Chairs, a slate of recommended candidates for each Board and Committee along with a list of all candidates who had applied for each Board and Committee. A copy of the application form and/or resume for any new candidate shall also be provided to the entire Select Board. 8. The VASC shall present this recommended slate of candidates to the Select Board as a single item on the agenda. Any member of the Select Board may ask for a particular recommendation to be voted on separately. Any person who has been interviewed or recommended by the VASC for a particular position may ask for their particular recommendation to be voted on separately. Any request to remove a name should include a reason. The remaining Board and Committee appointments of the recommended slate shall then be considered and voted on as a single item. 9. Any Board and Committee appointments removed from the consent item will then be scheduled for interview during a later Select Board meeting, and the appointment process to that Board and Committee will be by the full Select Board. 1.5.3 - Process for Filling Vacancies on Boards and Committees during the Year 1. Within five days of learning about a vacancy on a Board or Committee, the Town Manager’s office shall cause to have advertised the complete list of full or associate positions that have become vacant. 2. The Town Manager’s office shall also invite all Associate Members of the affected Board or Commission to apply for any available Full memberships. 3. Following the receipt of all applications and the expiration of the required number of days for advertising (per Sec. 8.10 of the Reading Home Rule Charter), the VASC Chair and Town Manager’s office shall schedule one or more dates for VASC interviews, taking into consideration the schedules of all applicants. 4. The requirements of Sections 1.5.2.4 through 9 shall be applicable to filling vacancies on Boards and Committees during the year. Section revised March 2019 Section 1.6 – Financial Matters 1.6.1 – Acceptance of Gifts and Donations It is the policy of the Select Board to encourage donations and gifts, with the clear understanding that there is no offer on the part of the Town to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provisions of services, enforcement of laws or regulations, or any other consideration by the Town. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to accept any such gifts or donations on the part of the Town, to see to their disposition in accordance with donor’s wishes and applicable law, and to 1 Senate President Karen Spilka State House, Room 332 Boston, MA 02133 Honorable Senate President Spilka: We are writing to you on behalf of the Town of Reading to ask your consideration in expediting the passage of HB4351 ‐ An Act relative to municipal light plant participation in Green Communities. The bill was engrossed in the House of Representatives on March 21, 2022 and both received by the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules on March 24, 2022. This bill amends GL 25A:10 (Division of Green Communities) by requiring regulations adopted by the division to allow municipalities served by a municipal light plant (MLP) that serves more than one community to qualify as green communities. HB4351 was carefully amended after conversations and discussions with each of the House and Senate members that had sponsored or co‐sponsored similar legislation as well as with the Committee on Telecommunications Utilities and Energy co‐chairs. This version will treat each of the multi‐system MLP communities as if they were individual communities applying on their own. For the Reading Municipal Light Plant ‐ the communities impacted are Reading, Wilmington, Lynnfield and North Reading. We are asking for quick action and passage so all towns and cities wishing to apply can take advantage of the DOER’s Green Communities funding through Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) PON and prepare all the necessary work ahead of becoming a Green Community. The Town of Reading submitted their application to Green Communities in December 2021. Senate action and the Governor’s signature is now critical for our application to be approved in 2022. For Reading and other towns, formal adoption by Subsequent Town Meeting (Fall 2021) will be required and we will approve the warrant in early September. Thank you in advance for your consideration in expediting passage of HB4351 ‐ An Act relative to municipal light plant participation in Green Communities. Sincerely, _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ Mark Dockser, Chair Karen Herrick, Vice Chair Carlo Bacci _____________________ _____________________ Christohpher Haley Jacqueline McCarthy Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 SELECT BOARD Phone: (781) 942-9043 Fax: (781) 942-9071 Website: www.readingma.gov 2022 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2022 7/13/2022 Staff Responsibility Estimated start time August 9, 2022 Tuesday Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00 Public Comment Board 7:05 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:10 Reading Coalition Staff Report McNamara Public Hearing Vote on Parking Regulation Changes, including Electric Vehicle Restrictions Board Approve Trail Easement for Conservation Comission at 269 Main Street McNamara Discuss Proposed Changes to Town Personnel Policy Donahue Discuss Scheduling a Fall Select Board Retreat Board 8:30 Discuss Future Agendas Board Approve Meeting Minutes Board August 30, 2022 Tuesday Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00 Public Comment Board 7:05 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:10 Reading Police Department Staff Report HEARING Vote to Accept Proposed Changes to Town Personnel Policy Donahue Discuss Future Agendas Board Approve Meeting Minutes Board September 13, 2022 Tuesday State Legislation Visit September 20, 2022 Tuesday Vote to Close Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant Economic Development Update, Update on the BID Erin Schaeffer October 11, 2022 Tuesday October 25, 2022 Tuesday HEARING Tax Classification Santaniello & Board of Assessors November 8, 2022 State Election Tuesday November 14, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting I Monday November 15, 2022 Tuesday 2022 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2022 7/13/2022 Staff Responsibility Estimated start time November 17, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting II Thursday November 21, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting III Monday November 22, 2022 Tuesday November 28, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting IV Monday December 6, 2022 Tuesday Vote to Approve Licenses (delegated to Town Manager's Office) Vote to Approve Liquor Licenses December 7, 2002 Wednesday Town Department FY24 budgets December 13, 2022 Tuesday Town Department FY24 budgets December 14, 2022 Wednesday Town Department FY24 budgets (if needed) Select Board Draft Minutes June 14th, 2022 Public Comment Nancy Docktor made a statement in support of the Camp Rice Moody agenda item. Angela Binda made a statement about wanting increased transparency. She doesn’t see a need for the SWEC subcommittee right now and ask the board not to create it. Bill Brown noted he does not think the library should be holding parades. He also noted the board needs to look at the deed for Washington Park again. Liaison Reports McCarthy noted there were lots of events this past weekend. The trails committee is doing work on the Kurchian woods trail this summer. Herrick noted she attended a green school building seminar. Bacci noted that Board of Health indicated covid numbers are trending down. Haley noted the School Committee did Mr. Milaschewski’s review and it was very positive. RMHS had graduation. RAAC will look at the survey results at their next meeting. Dockser noted it was a great weekend in town. He reminded the board they have a retreat on the 25th. Bertucci’s Change of Manager Haley read the hearing notice. Bertucci’s has a new manager, Charles McClean, who has been with the company for 13 years. Dockser noted the board takes alcohol policies and regulations very seriously. Haley moved to close the hearing; with a second from Herrick it was approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to approve the Change of Manager request for an Annual All Alcohol Liquor License for Bertucci’s Restaurants at 45 Walkers Brook Drive. The motion was seconded by Bacci and approved with a 5-0 vote. Camp Rice Moody Donna Brewer from Miyares and Harrington along with Brad Latham from Latham Law Offices were present to explain this agenda item. Reading Council for Girls is looking to dissolve and transfer Camp Rice Moody to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass. The board had no issues with this. Haley moved that the Board authorize Fidel Maltez to execute an assent to a Motion for Entry of Interlocutory Order and an assent to a Motion for Entry of Judgment and all other documents necessary to support the transfer of Camp Rice Moody from The Reading Council for Girls, Inc. to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Inc. under the terms and conditions set forth in the draft Complaint for Voluntary Dissolution. The motion was seconded by McCarthy and approved with a 5-0 vote. Tax Rate and Shift Town Assessor Victor Santaniello gave the board a presentation on the tax rates and shifts and what the numbers would look like based on different scenarios. The presentation can be found in the Select Board meeting packet. Open Space and Recreation Plan Letter The board is being asked to write a letter in the support of the recent presentation regarding the towns Open Space and Recreation Plan. The drafted letter is in the Select Board packet for viewing. Haley moved to endorse Reading’s Open Space and Recreation Plan as presented to the Select Board on May 31st and that the Select Board Chair provide a letter of support on behalf of the Select Board to the Department of Conversation and Recreation. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. HRAC Sunset The board decided to sunset HRAC as planned upon the implementation of the newly created PAIR (Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading). The board needed to vote an official sunset date to which they decided on June 30, 2022. Haley moved to set a sunset date for the Human Relations Advisory Committee for June 30th, 2022. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. SWEC The board is creating a new ad-hoc committee; Symonds Way Exploratory Committee (SWEC). The edited the draft charge for the committee. The board debated whether or not a FINCOM member should be on the committee and when the committee should start. The board decided to take this up again at their next meeting. Budgets for B/C/C’s The board would like to put back in the place the budgets for Historical Commission, Trails Committee and Town Forest committee that were previously taken out. Haley moved to allocate $1,500 to the Historical Commission, $5,000 for the Town Forest Committee and $3,000 to the trail Committee from the FY2023 Select Board Budget Line. McCarthy seconded the motion and it was approved with a 5-0 vote. Future Agendas The board discussed future agenda topics. Minutes The board edited previous meeting minutes. Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 31, 2022. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to adjourn at 9:45 PM; with a second from McCarthy the board approved the motion with a 5-0 vote. Select Board Draft Minutes June 28th, 2022 Haley remote. Public Comment Bill Brown made a comment about military markers at grave sites. The town needs to be notified when a veteran is being buried or else they won’t know to place a marker there. Nancy Docktor made a statement about her disappointment in the VASC process specifically regarding the Board of Health. Liaison Reports McCarthy thanked the first responders for their work with the flood at the Pearl Street Residence. She also noted Porchfest was this past weekend and it was great. Herrick also commented about Porchfest and Juneteenth. RMLD had their annual report which went well. She mentioned sending a letter to our legislators about green communities but because it was not on the agenda the board agreed members could send a letter on their own and they can put it on the next agenda to discuss sending as a board. Bacci commented on Porchfest as well and hoped that maybe in the future it could be more walkable. Haley noted the School Committee reorganized. Dockser noted the Town Forest recently had a big conversation surrounding rules and regulations in regards to dogs in the town forest. He also would like to schedule the board’s next retreat for the fall. Town Manager Report Town Manager Maltez noted that our Veterans Agent Kevin Bohmiller has retired and his replacement started on Monday. He noted they will be holding a community meeting regarding development on the Oakland Road property on July 12th. Fire Department Update Fire Chief Burns gave the board a presentation on the department and its recent happenings. The presentation can be found in the Select Board meeting packet on the town website. Regional Affordable Housing Agreement Julie Mercier gave the board a short presentation on the changes in the agreement from when they last approved it two years ago. Haley moved to approve the Regional Affordable Housing Inter-Municipal Agreement as presented. The motion was seconded by McCarthy and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. ARPA Request – Maillet, Sommes and Morgan Conservation Land This is a request for $77,000 to start the design process for these conservation lands. RAAC has already seen and voted to approve this request. Haley moved to approve $77,000 of ARPA funds for Maillet, Sommes and Morgan Conservation Lands request as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. ARPA Request – Sanborn Lane Town Manager Maltez explained a resident is gifting the town some land on Sanborn Lane. It is unbuildable due to wetlands but it needs to be surveyed. This request is for $8,000 to do this surveying work. RAAC does not have an official vote on this request but were in support of it. Haley moved to approve $8,000 of ARPA funds for Sanborn Lane request as presented. The motion was seconded by McCarthy and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Symonds Way Exploratory Committee (SWEC) The board continued their conversation from last meeting regarding creating an ad-hoc committee to explore potential uses for the town owned land on Symonds Way. Bacci started off the conversation by noting he is ok with the committee starting their work in December as opposed to right away. The other board members agreed with Bacci. Haley noted he prefers they start sooner but if the consensus of the board is December then he will agree. Haley moved to approve the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee Charge as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Board of Health The Board of Health is requesting to submit special legislation to start the process of changing their board from 3 to 5 members. The board was in support of this change. Haley moved to approve the request from the Board of Health to submit Special Legislation to increase the amount of member from 3 to 5 and direct the Town Manager to include a warrant article in November 2022 Town Meeting as necessary with the aid of Town Counsel including language regarding Board of Selectmen/Select Board. The motion was seconded by Bacci and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Killam School Building Committee As apart of the MSBA process, the town must create a Killam Building Committee that includes a Select Board member. Herrick and Bacci nominate themselves. The board took the following vote for Bacci as the representative: Haley – yes; McCarthy – no; Herrick – no; Dockser – no; Bacci – yes. The board took the following vote for Herrick as the representative: Haley – yes; McCarthy- yes; Herrick -yes; Dockser – yes; Bacci -yes. Haley moved to appoint Herrick as the Select Board member on the Killam School Building Committee. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. VASC Process Dockser noted he thought VASC had to interview everyone, incumbents and new applicants. He believes it is good practice and should be the policy if it isn’t. Haley noted the policy does not require them to interview incumbents. He explained he would have still recommended the incumbents over a new applicant either way because he believes past service/experience is important. He noted he does regret the process to a point and did try to reach out the applicant after the meeting. McCarthy apologized to the applicant and noted they did not do this out of nepotism. Her and Haley agreed to not interview incumbents and focused on filling the vacancies. She noted they should have interviewed all the board of health applicants, incumbents or not, because there were more applicants than seats. She is taking this as a lesson learned as her first time being on VASC. Town Manager Maltez noted he takes the blame for this as he should have realized process and explained to the new VASC members. He noted he did meet with the applicant in person afterwards. He also noted this was a blanket decision for all boards to not interview incumbents, not just the board of health. Herrick agreed all incumbents should be interviewed noting that’s how it was being done the past couple years. Dockser feels they need to change the policy to ensure everyone is interviewed every year. He would like this on a future agenda. Joe White noted he was the resident who wrote the letter to the newspaper. He feels the selection process is biased towards the incumbents and he wants the policy changed. Haley noted he will be abstaining from voting on the Housing Authority applicants. Haley moved to approve all of the VASC recommendations as presented, except for the Housing Authority Committee. The motion was seconded by Bacci and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Haley moved to approve the VASC recommendations for the Housing Authority as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick – yes; Dockser- yes; McCarthy – yes; Bacci- yes; Haley – abstain. Future Agendas The board discussed future agenda items. Haley moved to enter into executive session under Purpose 7, To Comply with Section 22 of the OML – approve and review February 13, 2019, and March 26, 2019 minutes for release and to invite Fidel Maltez, and Caitlin Nocella to attend the meeting, and to not return to open session. The motion was seconded by Bacci and approved with a unanimous roll call vote.